MLB NEWS

Brewers, Phillies break off Papelbon talks

The Sports Xchange

February 12, 2015 at 10:39 am.

Papelbon, 34, had 39 saves and a 2.04 ERA last season. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathon Papelbon will report to spring training with the team after talks broke off with the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.

Papelbon has been on the trade block most of the offseason. The Phillies rejected a deal from the Brewers that would have sent former Dodgers, Royals and Reds reliever Jonathan Broxton to Philadelphia to help offset Papelbon’s remaining salary, according to multiple reports.

Broxton will make $9 million in 2015 and Papelbon has one year left at $13 million. However, a vesting option for another $13 million becomes guaranteed for 2016 if he closes 48 games.

Papelbon is one of several players who will be wearing a Phillies uniform in the Grapefruit League after knowingly being made available via trade.

Starting pitchers Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels and first baseman Ryan Howard were discussed in separate deals but none moved since the end of the 2014 season.