Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon has been asking the club to trade him before and during the All-Star break and a number of teams were interested on acquiring him that time, but as of now these clubs are no longer looking to trade for him.
Papelbon and the Phillies hold the worst record in the Major League Baseball (MLB) this season currently at 34-63.
In a report by ESPN, three weeks ago the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers really wanted to trade for Papelbon but are no longer having the same interest now, making it look like the Phillies will not even be able to trade him before the July 31 deadline.
A major factor that made interested clubs withdraw from a possible trade deal is Papelbon's $13 million vesting option for 2016 that the Phillies does not want to cover.
Since no trade deal is being completed for Papelbon, the Blue Jays bring back Aaron Sanchez, the Cubs activated Rafael Soriano, and the Dodgers focused on starting pitching as the trade deadline nears, ESPN also reported.
In a statement before the All-Star break, Papelbon said he wants to leave and is willing to be a part of any club that wants his services although he also stated his desire to be with a contending team.
During the All-Star break, the 34-year-old said he thinks three years of playing for Philadelphia is already enough.
Papelbon joined the Phillies after the 2011 season in which the Phillies won 102 games and in his search for a second World Series championship, he thought Philadelphia would help him accomplish that goal.
"That's not what I signed up for. I signed up with a team that won 102 games, and I expected certain things. It didn't happen, and I've tried to ride that ship and keep my mouth shut as much as I can. But it's time for the Phillies to you-know-what or get off the pot," Papelbon shared during the All-Star break.
