Jonathan Papelbon is expected to make a decision by Wednesday on where he wants to play next, and there have been some rumblings that he could return to the Boston Red Sox. John Farrell isn’t exactly denying those reports.
In an appearance on MLB Network Radio, the Red Sox skipper admitted the team has had discussions about bringing Papelbon back.
Farrell on Jonathan Papelbon "we've talked about it, there's some real strong points to 'Pap' that could be an addition here"
— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 16, 2016
The Red Sox have had issues with the back end of their bullpen all season long. Craig Kimbrell, their closer, recently returned from the disabled list and has been dealing with soreness in his knee. Though, at age 35 and toting a 4.37 ERA, it’s unclear how effective Papelbon could be again in the American League.
If nothing else, Papelbon is an experienced arm that has suddenly become available with the playoff push on. Typically pitchers with his resume are moved at the trade deadline, not weeks after.
One of Papelbon’s former Red Sox teammates, Jon Lester, has already said he would like to reunite with the right-hander in Chicago. Wherever Papelbon ends up, his new team had better be prepared to deal with potential headaches, some of which apparently involve Donald Trump.
