Philadelphia Phillies reach four-year $50 million contract with Jonathan Papelbon – MLB News
The National League’s Philadelphia Phillies and the former Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon reached a record-breaking contract for relief position, on Monday, November 14 at Philadelphia.
Jonathan, who was not getting into line for the deal due to a low offer, has finally altered his ego to sign a $50 million, four-year contract, which is the highest in Major League Baseball for a reliever. The contract also includes an option for the fifth
year but depending on the numbers of the games, the 30-year-old finishes in his four-year tenure. It will also take him to $63 million for five seasons, only if he gets into the fifth year.
According to an expert in a major news channel in New York, estimated the contract saying the option will only be vested if Papelbon finishes 15 games in 2015 or 100 accumulative games in the 2014 and 2015 season.
Philadelphia Phillies reached Papelbon after making all efforts with their free agent Ryan Madson. Phillies tried hard to reach some decision with Madson’s agent, Scott Boras, this last week. After the club did not receive any positive answer from Madson,
it moved to hire Papelbon, who demanded the largest ever contract. Phillies negotiated and managed to agree to the player, who will turn 31 on November 23 to $50 million.
"He is among the elite closers in the game and someone who clearly has a passion to win," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.
Papelbon made 31 saves this season and has made 219 overall in seven seasons with the Boston Red Sox. The right-handed closer has been selected into four All-Star selections in this era, which added $12 million in his income.
Jonathan is the second pitcher to get a contract more than three years after the Phillies signed starter Cliff Lee for a five-year $120 million deal.
"Four years is a little uncomfortable, but on a player like this and a person who has had this pedigree and this background and success, sometimes you go the extra mile to do that," Amaro said. "We felt he was the right guy to take a risk on."
Phillies have long been against hiring a pitcher for more than three years. However, this contract is also among the few exceptions the Phillies have made for good reason.
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