The Philadelphia Phillies signed Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year, $50 million contract.
Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies Complete 4-Year, $50 Million Contract
Papelbon’s departure from Boston surprised a lot of Red Sox fans, but he said during his introductory press conference that he wanted to make a quick decision.
“The Phillies showed they were interested in me and I wanted to make this decision quick and get it over with,” he said, according to the Associated Press. “I didn’t want to sit there and debate on whether I go back to Boston.
Read Article >The Phillies And Jonathan Papelbon: This Will Not End Well

Getty ImagesThe recent past is littered with examples of pitchers signed to moderate or big money deals, only to then completely flop. Here are just a few:
Jonathan Papelbon has six 30+ save seasons and plenty of playoff experience. But there’s beginning to be a bit of mileage on that arm; he’ll be 31 in less than two weeks. By the time this deal reaches its midpoint, the Phillies are probably going to be wishing they hadn’t done it.
Read Article >Phillies, Papelbon Deal Reportedly Worth $50 Million Over Four Years
Nah. They didn’t think it was enough money to spend. From Jim Salisbury from CSN Philly:
Sources say Papelbon deal is four years and approaches $50 million, pending physical #phillies
Read Article >Philadelphia Phillies Reach Agreement With Jonathan Papelbon
The Phils and Papelbon have reached agreement sources tell CSNPhilly.com. Pending physical.No word on the size of the deal yet, but the Madson offer was reported four years for $44 million, so it would follow that the Papelbon deal would come close to or exceed that amount.
Overpaying for closers is never a good idea, but if you have to buy one, it’s probably a good idea to go top shelf.
Read Article >