3 possible landing spots for Jonathan Papelbon
Jonathan Papelbon's time in the nation's capital is over, as the mercurial closer was released by the Washington Nationals on Saturday. The 35-year-old now finds himself a free agent during a career-worst season, owning a 4.37 ERA and allowing 3.6 bases on balls per nine innings - his highest total in that category since 2010. That ineffectiveness cost him the closer's job in Washington, eventually leading him to ask the Nats for his release.
It's not clear what the market will be for a mid-30s closer who's been ineffective and has a history of stirring up trouble in the clubhouse (just ask now ex-teammate Bryce Harper or any Philadelphia Phillies fan), but there are some contending teams in need of another arm for the stretch drive. Given Papelbon's pedigree, one of them is bound to take a chance on him despite the potential off-field issues. Here are three teams that could emerge as likely landing spots.
Miami Marlins
Along with the fact that owner Jeffrey Loria loves to make a big splash, and Papelbon's name still holds a bit of cache, the Marlins' bullpen could use some help as the team tries to stay in the race. Despite making a few midseason additions to their bullpen already, including All-Star Fernando Rodney and lefty Hunter Cervenka, Marlins relievers own a 5.31 ERA since Aug. 1 - the fifth-worst mark in all of baseball. Closer A.J. Ramos has also been on the disabled list since Aug. 6 with a finger injury. Though not what he once was, Papelbon could help out a Marlins bullpen that's sorely in need of assistance for the stretch run.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers are a team with World Series aspirations, but their pitching staff - particularly their bullpen - hasn't been holding up its end of the bargain. Texas relievers own a 4.73 ERA this month, and have battled injuries throughout the season. While closer Sam Dyson has been excellent since taking over the role from Shawn Tolleson, it's also his first crack at the ninth-inning job. Adding Papelbon could at least give the Rangers a backup plan should Dyson falter down the stretch, though in all likelihood there's no chance he would close here. Still, given the up-and-down season the Rangers' bullpen has had, it couldn't hurt.
Boston Red Sox
Could a possibly awkward reunion be in the cards? If Papelbon has his way - he's reportedly interested in returning to Fenway Park, where he spent the first seven years of his career - it'll happen. The Red Sox still don't have setup man Koji Uehara back from a strained pectoral muscle, closer Craig Kimbrel hasn't been the lights-out version of himself from Atlanta, and the bullpen's been like musical chairs throughout the season. Add all of that to a team struggling to hold on to the second wild-card spot, and you've got a desperate situation. Of course the Red Sox know all about Papelbon and his antics, but perhaps a reunion could be the key to keeping his behavior in check. Even if it doesn't improve the Red Sox bullpen, it would make for some great September theater in Beantown.