MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Jonathan Papelbon Trades That Make Sense For the Red Sox

Entering his final year of salary arbitration, Jonathan Papelbon will likely cash in on a big pay day following the 2011 season. 

However, with a declining skill set and Daniel Bard as the closer of the future, there is next to no chance he signs a long term deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Papelbon is due to make roughly $11 million for the coming season.

The presence of Bard and the acquisition of Bobby Jenks makes the possibility that Papelbon does not finish the year with the Red Sox all the more likely.

Without further delay here are 10 Jonathan Papelbon trades that make sense for the Boston Red Sox.

Brett Myers (SP, Houston Astros)

Myers could become available since the Astros know they are likely a few years away from contention. He posted a 3.14 ERA with 223 IP.

There is a concern over the number of innings and the adjustments needed to move to the AL East.  Nonetheless Myers could fit well as the Red Sox fifth starter.

The Astros could definitely use help in a bullpen full of no name journeymen relievers.

Although Papelbon comes at a serious price they could allow him to walk away after this year and accept the draft pick compensation.

Mike Napoli (C, Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim)

As a catcher with some power, 46 HR over the past two seasons, Napoli would be an excellent addition to the Red Sox. 

He also is a guy who has proven to be better with limited at bats. This would still leave room for Saltalamacchia and Varitek to catch some games.

It may be more difficult to sell the Angels on this trade. However, with Jeff Mathis already on the roster and first round pick Hank Conger ready for the big leagues, Napoli could become expendable.

On top of that the Angels look to have lost former closer Brian Fuentes, which leaves Fernando Rodney as the only real closer candidate. 

The Angels also need to make a splash after missing out on targets Carl Crawford, Adrian Beltre and possibly Rafael Soriano.

Michael Young (3B, Texas Rangers)

This may seem like a stretch to some, but with the addition of Adrian Beltre it is possible that Michael Young could become expendable.

Young will likely have to move to DH in order to get at bats next season. If traded to the Red Sox he could shift back over to SS and fill the only hole in the Sox lineup.

On top of that, the addition of Papelbon would allow for the Rangers to start grooming phenom Neftali Feliz as a starter.

If the Rangers are looking to add a bat following the trade they could bring back Vlad Guerrero who had an excellent renaissance season as the DH in 2010.

Jair Jurrjens (SP, Atlanta Braves)

Jurrjens is another pitcher who could solidify the back end of the rotation for the Sox. He has shown promise throughout his career but struggled in 2010.

He is also a player who has been rumored to be on the trade market in the past. Jurrjens relies on ground balls to make outs which fits Fenway Park quite well.

With the retirement of Billy Wagner and the loss of Takashi Saito, the Braves need a serious overhaul in the bullpen. They have spent money to improve in other areas such as 2B with Dan Uggla.

However, if the Braves don't want to falter in their first season without Bobby Cox then this deal could make as much sense for them as it does the Sox.

Matt Garza (SP, Tampa Bay Rays)

A trade between division rivals is highly unlikely, but we can still speculate.

With the loss of Soriano, the Rays have absolutely no candidate in the bullpen for a closer. Meanwhile they have made no secret of their desire to trade Garza.

Garza is a pitcher with excellent makeup and experience in the AL East. The Red Sox might have to eat some of Papelbon's salary but it could be worth it to strengthen their rotation.

Colby Rasmus (CF, St. Louis Cardinals)

It may take more than Papelbon to obtain the young and talented outfielder. However, even with Rasmus' immense talent his differences with Tony LaRussa have been well chronicled which could make him available.

Ryan Franklin's hold on the closer job is certainly shaky after having his ERA jump up to 3.46 in 2010 from 1.92 in 2009. 

The Red Sox could definitely play the athletic Rasmus in rightfield. However, they also have shown they are not completely committed to Ellsbury in center.

Gavin Floyd (SP, Chicago White Sox)

After the Red Sox signed Bobby Jenks it has left the White Sox with few certainties at closer. As of now their best option is Matt Thornton, who has proved to be an excellent set up man.

The Red Sox are definitely not sold on Dice-K as their 5th starter and Tim Wakefield's future is unknown and unimportant. 

Floyd is an innings eater who has averaged 195 IP over the past three seasons. He also has grown into a ground-ball pitcher which could make him a nice candidate to stabilize the back end of the rotation

The White Sox have spent a lot of money this off season and Papelbon would help them solidify a skeptical bullpen and closer role.

Justin Masterson (SP/RP Cleveland Indians)

The Red Sox got rid of Masterson in the trade to acquire Victor Martinez and there have been rumblings this offseason that the front office longs for his return. 

His numbers for the Indians have been uninspiring but he could fill several roles for the Red Sox. He could be used as a swingman, pitching in the bullpen but being used as a starter when accessory after inevitable injuries throughout the season.

The Indians only have Chris Perez in the bullpen who proved to be quite efficient in the second half. The Indians would likely value a proven closer such as Papelbon, just as they had with Kerry Wood.

Grady Sizemore (CF, Cleveland Indians)

Sizemore is an incredibly talented player who fell to a new low in 2010. His batting average struggles and his inability to stay healthy could make him expendable.

It may be time for a change of scenery for Sizemore and Boston could be just the place. 

He could definitely be used in right field and it would take the wear and tear away from being an everyday center fielder.

The Red Sox also definitely are not completely sold on Ellsbury in center. As previously stated the Indians could use some depth in the bullpen. 

Ryan Madson (RP, Philadelphia Phillies)

This is a move that many would see as a salary dump by the Red Sox, but it could prove to be the best move for both clubs. 

Madson has proven to be a very capable reliever in the past few seasons. 

He may not be able to handle a closer role but could prove to be a serviceable bullpen arm against both lefties and righties.

Last season Madson posted a BAA sub .220 against hitters from either side of the plate. 

The Phillies are clearly committed to winning in 2011 so if Lidge falters they could set their sights on a proven closer, such as Papelbon.