MLB rumors: Jonathan Papelbon to return to the Red Sox?

Jonathan Papelbonwill decide on where he next wants to play baseball by Wednesday afternoon, according to WEEI’s Rob Bradford.

Papelbonwill bring some baggage to whichever team he signs with but he’s still more than serviceable as he converted 19-of-22 save opportunities with the Nationals this year. Washington acquired Mark Melancon from the Pirates in June and Papelbon was quickly deemed dispensable.

“[Papelbon] is crazy,” Cubs pitcher and former Red Sox JonLester told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. “But he’s no crazier than the rest of us. He just gets a bad rap for what happened in the dugout. Knowing Papelbon, I’ve always had good things to say about him as a teammate, how he respects the game and how he goes about his business.”

The Red Sox are one of the teams said to be interested in landing Papelbon. Manager John Farrell told MLB Network Radio that the club has discussed bringing Papelbon back.