Cole Hamels trade rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers turned down offer from Phillies
By Hayden Kane
Give the Philadelphia Phillies credit for this: they are shooting high in trade negotiations for ace pitcher Cole Hamels.
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Why shouldn’t they? They are only exploring a trade for Hamels insofar as they can see if a potential suitor overshoots and offers a huge haul of prospects in return for him. Otherwise, the television money that is coming the Phillies’ way means that they can comfortably afford to keep Hamels and his large salary.
It is in that context, then, that the Phillies made the Los Angeles Dodgers scoff at their trade demands. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Phillies offered Hamels to the Dodgers for their top handful of prospects:
"Yet, according to one-ranking official directly involved with the talks, the Los Angeles Dodgers recently asked for Hamels. They were told the price would be three of their top prospects – center fielder Joc Pederson, shortstop Corey Seager and left-handed pitcher Julio Urias.Sorry, the Dodgers said, but no interest."
That makes sense, of course. The Dodgers have bottomless resources to offer if the trade package required is as much about eating money as it is about the prospects offered. But if it is strictly a matter of gutting their farm system to land another stud starting pitcher, the Dodgers have no reason to go down that road.
This does not mean the end of negotiations, but as things stand now it sounds like Hamels will remain with the Phillies.
Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumblings from the baseball hot stove this trade season.