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| Photo by Richard Wilkins Jr. |
I'm going to profile some trade candidates between now and the deadline that the Phillies could shop around to buyers. At the top of everyone outside of Philadelphia's list will be Cole Hamels, a 30 year old ace lefty who is healthy and throwing well this season. Hamels is 3-5, with a 2.87 ERA, 101 K's in 100.1 innings pitched, and with a 1.23 WHIP. He's in year two of a six year guaranteed contract worth $153 million, with a 2019 option.
Teams that could want him- Let's start with the fact that Hamels is owed over $100 million still at the deadline, and his future luxury tax hit beyond this year is right around the $100 million mark, so trading him isn't easy, even though everyone wants him. Yes, the Dodgers might want him, and could pay him. The Yankees, Orioles, and Blue Jays certainly will all take a look, as could Boston IF they decide to buy. St. Louis could certainly use an arm, and he could also really help the Giants or Angels. Everyone would want a Cole Hamels, the market that can afford him is different.
What you have to get back, money wise- Hamels is 30, so it is conceivable that he will be good long enough for the Phillies to get good. You won't want to be paying for him to play elsewhere in the future. I would think the bare-minimum starting price is in the $80 million in salary relief moving forward range. I'd say that's probably not enough either.
What you have to get back, player wise- At least four, maybe five players. At least one super elite prospect, plus another elite one. Probably at least two players who will be on the 2015 team. With the package the Cubs recently got, the Phillies won't sell Hamels at a discount just to move money.
The Outlook- I don't see Cole Hamels going anywhere. The Dodgers could put together the best package, and you'd have to think they blink at some point on taking on salary. The Yankees could afford him, but I don't think they have the players to make the deal work. Toronto and Baltimore might be able to afford him, but it's a tough call for them. The Angels and St. Louis could do this if they want, but that's the big question. I'd watch St. Louis and LA closest, as he makes sense for both, and they might be able to put together the player package we'd want.
