Report: Phillies ready to trade Jonathan Papelbon

It appears Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is finally prepared to part ways with one of his veteran pitchers.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported Wednesday that the Phillies are ready to trade All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon and are willing to pay a significant portion of his contract.

The 34-year-old is owed $8 million this season and owns a $13-million vesting option that becomes guaranteed should he finish four more games this year.

Rosenthal notes that the Phillies have engaged in recent trade discussions with both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago Cubs, though a deal with either club does not appear close.

Papelbon owns a limited no-trade clause that includes Toronto, though the 11-year veteran said in spring training he wouldn't be opposed to joining the Blue Jays.

Cubs president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer have ties with Papelbon dating back to their time with the Boston Red Sox.

One of the best closers in history, Papelbon is in the midst of his best season in the majors. The right-hander owns a 1.13 ERA and 0.91 WHIP across 24 innings this season. He's posted a 2.45 ERA and 328 strikeouts in 286 1/3 innings since 2011.