Washington Nationals reliever Jonathan Papelbon's updated no-trade clause now lists the New York Yankees as one of the 12 teams he can be traded to without giving his approval.
The 35-year-old closer came under intense scrutiny this past season after he choked teammate and Nats superstar Bryce Harper in the dugout during the middle of a game. The Nationals have been trying to offload the mercurial relief pitcher for weeks now, and the Yankees are now one potential trade partner they can work with without having to consult Papelbon.
Papelbon's history as one of the instigators on the opposite side of the heated Red Sox/Yankees rivalry makes a trade seem relatively unlikely. However, with consistent rumblings that the team is willing to entertain offers for closer Andrew Miller, Papelbon remains an option.
Who knows why Papelbon suddenly changed his mind and put the Yankees in an advantageous position for potential trade talks. Has the enmity between him and the Bronx Bombers diminished. Does he really think New York would pull the trigger on the trade, mending fences with a perhaps unthinkable truce?
Here are the 11 other teams Papelbon can be traded to without prior consultation: the Red Sox, Phillies, Cubs, Mets, Indians, Angels, Tigers, Rays, Padres, Giants and Cardinals. He is due $11 million dollars for the 2016 MLB season.
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