Jonathan Papelbon expected to pick a team within next 24 hours … Drawing strong interest, reportedly hopes to sign with Cubs
Rob Bradford reported Tuesday morning that Jonathan Papelbon will make a decision and sign with a team within 24 hours. Bradford posted the news just after 9:00am CDT. Bradford’s sources have indicated that Papelbon is drawing “strong interest from across the league.”
Bradford explained “multiple teams are intrigued by Papelbon” despite the concerns about his drop in velocity, strikeout and walk rate. With the Nationals and Phillies on the hook for his salary, Papelbon is being viewed as “a low-risk option for a contender at a time when those are hard to come by.”
The Red Sox, Cubs and Cardinals are believed to be among the teams interested in Papelbon.
Comcast SportsNet reported late Monday “a source in contact with Jonathan Papelbon said he hoped to wind up with the Cubs.”
Joe Maddon was asked about the possibility of the Cubs signing Papelbon before game one of the day-night doubleheader. Maddon said no one from the front office has talked to him about Papelbon. Maddon indicated anything was possible and according to Bruce Levine “he didn’t totally discount the notion.”
Will update throughout the day as new information becomes available …