Papelbon Needs A Team, Jays Need A Reliever... Will They Join Forces?

On Sunday August the 14th, the word got out that Jonathan Papelbon had been released from the Nationals organization, making him a free agent. Since the news has spread, everyone want to where he will go. Well, how about the Blue Jays?

Over the course of the 2016 season, one of the Blue Jays biggest problems has been their bullpen. Many of their games have been lost by the bullpen this season time and time again. It is like a routine: Starter does good, Jays get the lead, bullpen takes over, Jays lose the game. It is just as frustrating for you as it is for me. Everyone knows that the bullpen has been our problem yet again. Anyways, we are not the only ones to notice. Clearly Ross Atkins has noticed as well, which is noticeable by the recent deals for Joakim Benoit and Scott Feldman. The Benoit deal (for Drew Storen) has worked out great, but Feldman has yet to prove himself in a Blue Jays uniform, carrying a 13.50 ERA since joining Toronto.

Now that the trade deadline is past, the Jays are in some trouble as not many relief pitchers are still available. But one relatively big name is... and that's Jonathan Papelbon (35).

Papelbon, a 6 time all-star, was released by the Nationals August 14th after he requested a release. On the season, Papelbon owns a 4.37 ERA, with 31 strikeouts, 14 walks and 19 saves in 35 inning pitched as the Nationals closer. Although he has had an inconsistent year, he has proven himself in the past (even in the American League East with the Red Sox), and could easily have a bounce back season. In previous years in the AL with the Red Sox, he had an impressive 2.33 ERA with 509 strikeouts and 115 walks in 429.1 innings pitched over 7 seasons. Even though its been 4 1/2 years since he last played in the AL, it is worth a shot.

A signing with the Jays would put Papelbon with a contending team (which he wants), that would give him many opportunities (due to the rest of Toronto's relievers struggles), and it would put him with familiar opponents. Overall, I think that that Jays should, and could sign him. He would be a plus to their bullpen, and to the team overall. The move would also benefit both sides, and Papelbon would get a great surrounding (the points I mentioned earlier in this paragraph), and the Jays would get a much needed reliever.