Cole Hamels is continuing his recent streak of dominance and the trade rumors are starting up again. The Philadelphia Phillies are seemingly willing to make more of a sacrifice to move one of the top starters in the MLB.
Hamels is earning $22.5 million per season from 2015-2018 and he has a $20 million team option with a $6 million buyout. His contract has been one of the issues causing teams to hold off on trading for him because the Phillies also want a talented package of prospects. But now it appears general manager Ruben Amaro could be letting up in one of those aspects.
"According to a major league source familiar with the Phillies' way of thinking, Philadelphia recently has altered its approach in regards to dealing Cole Hamels ... somewhat," according to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com.
"Per the source, the Phillies now are willing to take on more of Hamels' remaining salary than they had been earlier in the season. Philly hasn't, however, backed off its demand for the kind of premier talent potential trade partners don't currently seem comfortable giving up."
The Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and others have kept in contact with the Phillies regarding Hamels since at least this past offseason, but no trade has been made because it's been said Amaro is "out of touch" with the market for the veteran pitcher. Initially he was not willing to cover any of the remaining money on Hamels' deal and was asking for three top prospects in return.
It's unknown if this latest rumor will make a difference in the negotiations before the trade deadline because a majority of the interested clubs were mainly hesitant to surrender their top prospects. But it might make a difference for one of them.
The Rangers were reportedly close to acquiring Hamels the day before they traded for Yovani Gallardo with the Milwaukee Brewers. It was said the deal fell through because of the Phillies' unwillingness to cover a portion of Hamels' salary. It was also mentioned a little while back that the Pittsburgh Pirates could perhaps be a suitor for Hamels at the deadline. As a small market team, this potential news could appeal to them.
After a slow start to the 2015 MLB season, Hamels is 4-1 with a 1.69 ERA in his last five outings, which has raised his value as the deadline approaches. Maybe Amaro's plan to stand his ground will pay off because a number of clubs are in dire need of an established starting pitcher.
