It may take a record contract to ensure that memory isn’t the last one fans have of Papelbon in a Red Sox uniform.
On Wednesday, Peter Gammons went on WEEI’s Mutt and Merloni to discuss the Red Sox, and speculated on what it will take for Papelbon to re-sign with the team as a free agent.
“Papelbon and his agents are going to be looking for about what they say the Red Sox offered Mariano Rivera,” said Gammons. The Red Sox reportedly offered Rivera a three-year deal back in 2010, but Mo decided to return to the Yankees.
“I think it’s going to be sort of a narrow bridge for the Red Sox to cross here,” Gammons continued. “I don’t think they can get Papelbon wrapped up quickly for less than three times [$15 million].”
Rivera ended up signing a two-year, $30 million deal of his own, which made him the highest-paid closer ever at the time. The proposed offer Gammons lays out would pass that mantle on to Papelbon, who had 31 saves in 34 chances in 2011.
While considering an offer for Papelbon, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington will also have to consider that 2011’s free agent class is full of closers. In addition to Papelbon, Gammons notes that Francisco Rodriguez, Ryan Madson, Heath Bell, Frankie Francisco and Joe Nathan are all on the open market as well.
