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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 starting pitchers the Yankees can target to fix their rotation

By Rucker Haringey

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 11: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 11: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 22: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers throws against the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 22: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers throws against the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Cole Hamels

Hamels actually got the win against the Yankees last night, but that’s not the only reason New York should be interested. His success this season coupled with his playoff experience makes him a prime target for Cashman and company.

In a vacuum, the Rangers might want to hold on to Hamels but given their 19-31 start to the season that’s just not a practical decision. Hamels also happens to be entering the last year of his guaranteed contract with the Rangers. The team does hold a $20 million option for the 2019 season.

The only question about Hamels is whether or not he can stay healthy. Throughout his career he’s been a very productive starting pitcher when his body has allowed him to perform. His ERA of 3.38 over 10 starts this season makes that pretty obvious. Hamels isn’t the power pitcher he was in his prime, but he’s found a way to remake himself as a pitcher and still get hitters out.

The combination of Hamels’ age and salary might make him the easiest deal for the Yankees to complete. Some teams just aren’t going to be willing to add his money to their books. If Cashman can get ownership to go for it, Hamels can be a good short-term fix for the rotation. He isn’t someone New York will build around long-term, but he could help bring the team a World Series title this season if he can stay healthy.

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