According to a report from Rob Bradford, it’s unlikely that Jonathan Papelbon will sign with a team prior to Wednesday’s deadline to make him eligible for a postseason roster.
The Red Sox, Cubs and Cardinals were considered the three favorites to sign Papelbon after he requested and was released by the Nationals on Aug. 13. Papelbon asked the Nationals to release him instead of being designated for assignment so he could sign with a team as quickly as possible.
Papelbon has not pitched in a game since Aug. 6.
Rob Bradford reported “according to a Major League source, Papelbon won’t be signing with anybody prior to midnight, meaning the reliever wouldn’t be eligible for postseason eligibility if he were to pitch again in 2016.”
The Red Sox showed a lot of interest in Papelbon. Several of his former teammates and manager John Farrell reached out and spoke to him about returning to Boston.
The Cubs also have strong ties to Papelbon and were believed to be interested in the veteran reliever.
Jonathan Papelbon was reportedly within 24 hours from signing with a team on Aug. 16 and had hopes of signing with the Cubs.
Reports have suggested personal/family issues have kept Papelbon from signing with a team.