The Philadelphia Phillies could opt to sell if they struggle over the next week, but that doesn't mean Jonathan Papelbon will be on the move.
"He's just not that valuable with that contract," an American League executive said. "If the Phillies want premium players back, they'd have to take half the contract [which has two years, worth $26 million, remaining, plus a vesting $13 million option]. I don't see any team giving up an A-list prospect and taking that entire contract. You'd be taking the worst two or three years of a bad deal and giving them a premium prospect. That just doesn't make sense."
Papelbon has a 2.27 ERA and 35 strikeouts in less than 40 innings this season.