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MLB Trade Rumors: Rangers make deal for SP Cole Hamels

By Connor Muldowney

Jul 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) walks off the field after the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) walks off the field after the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to reports, Philadelphia Phillies’ ace Cole Hamels is being traded to the Texas Rangers.

It’s finally happening. After years upon years of trade deadline rumors, the Philadelphia Phillies are parting ways with left-handed ace Cole Hamels.

Next: 5 Players That Could Shape The MLB Trade Deadline

It seems like every year this guy is the subject of trade talks, but this time it’s coming true as reports indicate he’s heading to the Texas Rangers who are five games below .500 and 8.0 games out of first place in the AL West.

Rarely do you see a team that far out of first place and five games below the .500 mark trade for a big-name pitcher, but the Rangers must believe that there is still time to make up serious playoff ground.

Well, there are 63 games left in the Rangers’ season and Hamels will definitely bolster a rotation that has struggled at times this year.

In fact, the Rangers’ team ERA of 4.54 ranks just 28th in baseball along with the WHIP of 1.41 while the team’s .267 batting average against ranks fifth-worst in the league. It’s safe to say this team needed some serious help in the pitching staff regardless of its position in the standings.

Texas has been a solid offensive team this year, ranking 10th in runs scored, but the starting rotation has been hampered, especially with the hardly-healthy Yu Darvish.

Imagining a one-two punch of Hamels and Darvish has to be scary for hitters, when Yu is healthy, that is.

Hamels, on the other hand, has been battling through trade rumors to become one of the more solid pitchers in the National League this season, despite playing for the league’s worst team. He has posted a 6-7 record with a 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts.

What a way to end his tenure with the Phillies, though, as he recorded a no-hitter in his last career start with the organization on July 25 against the Chicago Cubs.

This will be the first time in a few years that Hamels will be playing for a team that has a shot at the postseason even though the Rangers may just be building for the future with this deal. Philadelphia has been one of the worst teams in baseball for about three years now.

Texas just got a heck of a lot better by snagging Hamels before other teams could get their hands on him. No word yet on what the Rangers gave up to get him, but surely it was worth it.

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