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Phillies' Papelbon 'interested' in joining Blue Jays

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Papelbon wouldn't mind spending the summer in Toronto.

Papelbon's name surfaced repeatedly in trade rumors over the last few months after Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. began to dismantle his aging squad - with the Blue Jays often cited as a potential destination for the five-time All-Star. 

Though Papelbon's partial no-trade clause allows him to veto a trade to the Blue Jays, the 34-year-old said Thursday he'd welcome a trade to Toronto.

"Yes, Toronto, interests me - if it interests Ruben," Papelbon told Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly. "I know some of the guys on their coaching staff. They're a good team. If Ruben can do a deal with them, I'd be interested."

Papelbon, however, offered a non-response when asked if he would insist the Blue Jays exercise his $13-million option for 2016 before agreeing to waive his no-trade clause.

"I can't say," he said. "I'd have to discuss it with my agent."

Despite fielding one of the worst bullpens in the American League last season, the Blue Jays did little to address their relief corps this winter. Though left-hander Brett Cecil and prospect Aaron Sanchez are expected to compete this spring for the vacant closer role, neither pitcher has more than a modicum of ninth-inning experience.

Papelbon, meanwhile, authored a 2.04 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP over 66 appearances in 2014, the ninth consecutive season in which he's logged at least 29 saves. Should the Blue Jays make a deal for Papelbon, Sanchez could transition back into a starting role after logging 24 relief appearances last season, his first in the majors.

The Milwaukee Brewers were also linked to Papelbon in recent weeks, but seem unlikely to broker a trade with the Phillies after re-signing veteran closer Francisco Rodriguez to a two-year deal Thursday.

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