Could a reunion be on the cards for Jonathan Papelbon?
Rob Bradford of WEEI reported Saturday that the newly-released reliever would be interested in returning to Boston and joining the Red Sox.
According source close to situation, Papelbon would welcome return to Boston. Prioritizing best spot to succeed for remainder of season
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) August 13, 2016
So, what did the Red Sox think of that? Well, when asked, their response was a definite maybe.
Would #RedSox be interested in Jonathan Papelbon, released today by Nationals? Farrell: “We haven’t had any discussions on Jonathan.”
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) August 13, 2016
Asked about interest in Jonathan Papelbon, Dave Dombrowski responded, “At this point, is worth investigating.”
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) August 13, 2016
Papelbon wouldn’t close with Boston. They have Craig Kimbrel, so he’d have to fit in somewhere else. It remains to be seen whether he’d accept a lesser role in a bullpen in order to play with a contending team.
Papelbon is available after he and Washington had what is best described as a mutual parting of the ways. He has a 4.37 ERA in 37 appearances in 2016.
