With the MLB non-waiver trade deadline approaching on July 31, Jonathan Papelbon took some time to once again request a trade out of Philadelphia and to a contender.
5 Players Who Should Compete In The 2015 MLB Home Run Derby
The Phillies closer, who has never been shy about expressing his desires in the past, said he has made it clear he wants to be moved to a contending team and that he'd be "surprised" if he was still on the team by the deadline.
"I would be surprised [if I wasn't traded]," Papelbon said Monday, according to ESPN. "Yeah, that would be a pretty valid answer. ... I don't make these decisions. The front office knows where my heart is and where my mind is. And that's to be with a contending ballclub. The ball is in their court, so to speak."
5 Players Who Could Be Dealt By The MLB Trade Deadline
Papelbon was named to the All-Star Game for the sixth time in his career on Monday as he'll suit up for the National League All-Stars next Tuesday at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
He'll be the lone representative of last-place Philadelphia at the Midsummer Classic. What jersey he dons by July 31 remains to be seen.
Papelbon will activate a $13 million player option for next year's campaign if he plays in just 20 more games this season, but he said he'd be disappointed if that player option wasn't for a contending team.
"I'm going to whoever wants me the most and whoever feels like I can help them the best," Papelbon said. "I think everybody knows where I'm at. I've always been straightforward that I want to go play for a contender, and I'm not going to shy away from it. I feel like that's my right and my prerogative to have that opportunity and, you know, it's in their hands. The ball's in their court. I guess that's kind of it."
Just one week shy from the All-Star Game, the Phillies are an MLB-worst 28-57 and 19 games behind the first-place Washington Nationals in the National League East.
Papelbon, 34, is in his fourth year with the club and owns a 1-1 record with a 1.65 ERA and 14 saves.
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
