Per Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post with confirmation from Fox’s Jon Morosi, Phillies’ closer Jonathan Papelbon is headed to DC and will assume the closer’s role. As part of the deal, Papelbon’s 2016 option for $13 million has reportedly been picked up by the Nats. The Phillies will receive a yet-to-be-named starting pitcher from Washington’s Double-A affiliate.
Papelbon leaves the Phillies as their all-time leader in saves and was the team’s only reliever to be selected to two NL All-Star squads. With a boisterous personality, Papelbon’s statements, and gestures, often clashed with the sentiments of the fans.