RADIO
At the annual winter banquet hosted by the Phillies’ Double-A affiliate in Reading, PA, General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. provided a big update on the future of the biggest name in this off-season’s trade market, Cole Hamels.
“I think Cole Hamels is going to be in our uniform, frankly," Amaro stated. "I don’t really foresee him being moved. It is possible because we’re literally keeping our minds and eyes and ears open on every player that we have on our roster. That said, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. And so, if we were to move him, we’re going to have to get some of the best prospects in baseball back.”
In regards to the prospects, that is likely what is holding back this trade. Amaro’s handling of Hamels and the potential trading of their ace could be what kicks him to the unemployment line. Other league executives are saying that Amaro is looking for the “perfect” deal for Hamels. Another source familiar with the Phillies are saying Amaro has been “unrealistic in their expectations” in regards to the return from Hamels.
Plenty of teams, including the Red Sox, Padres, Rangers and Yankees have been in on Hamels in one way or another.
With the recent news of Max Scherzer signing with the Nationals, teams looking for rotation help can’t find a better option than Hamels. He has four years left of club control and is owed $96 million with the Phillies. For the 20 teams that are on his no-trade list, they will have to accept his fifth year option making his total package worth $110 million.
Considering Jon Lester just got $155 million for five years, this contract is very friendly for any team who lands Hamels. Boston is the only of the four that are on the list, although Hamels recently added them to the list in November, likely as a strategic move to get them to pick up his 2019 option.
Hamels had his best season in 2014, despite the 9-9 record thanks to the Phillies aging, depleted roster. He had a 2.46 ERA with a 198/59 K/BB rate over 204 2/3 innings. Despite turning 31, his fastball averaged the highest speed of his career at 92.1 MPH, and all his other pitches have increased in velocity in 2014. Hamels will eventually be moved, as nobody in Philadelphia expects to win with or without him 2015 or 2016. The when, where and who are anyone's best guess at this point.
