FOX Sports' MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reports the Phillies have had recent talks with the Blue Jays and Cubs regarding a possible deal involving closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Back in Spring Training, Papelbon told CSNPhilly.com that he would waive his no-trade clause to pitch for the Blue Jays.

"Yes, Toronto, interests me -- if it interests [Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.]," Papelbon told CSNPhilly.com. "I know some of the guys on their coaching staff. They’re a good team. If Ruben can do a deal with them, I’d be interested."

Rosenthal suggests that the Phillies are ready to deal Papelbon and are willing to pay a significant portion of his
contract, which is $13 million this season and has a vesting option for $13 million in 2016.

Papelbon is in the middle of having a great year going 12-for-12 in save opportunities this season with a 1.13 ERA. In 24 innings, he has struck out 29 and walked only six and allowed just one home run.

Papelbon is putting up back-to-back strong seasons, but his contract and mouth have been an issue - but right now he is pitching too well for teams in need of bullpen help to ignore.

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