MLB trade rumors: One player each team should target

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 21: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland (Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado /

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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) /

Milwaukee Brewers

Cole Hamels, SP

The Brewers, who people expected to do well, are shocking the world as they lead the NL Central. They’re holding off the Cubs and Cardinals, both of whom are also having great seasons. Now, they need someone to put them over the top.

They could look for offense, but there isn’t a game changer who fills a position of need for them available outside of Manny Machado. Machado would be a bit too pricey for a team that is about to become a contender for the next few years. Pitching wise, they have the third best bullpen in baseball so far this year. When looking at their starting pitching though, they could use some more depth and a true leader.

So, Cole Hamels is a perfect fit. The Brewers have a payroll far below the league average so they could absorb his $22.5 million with relative ease. Hamels would also need to pitch 252 innings this year to guarantee his contract for next year, something he’s never done before. It would be unlikely he would do this without leading the Brewers on a deep post season run. Now, Hamels would need to void his no-trade clause, but the former World Series MVP would probably do it for another chance at a championship.

Over his last 7 starts, Hamels has a 2.89 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Miller Park would help improve his stats as it has a lower park factor than Globe Life Park. It would help him bring down the about 1:5 home run to fly ball ratio that has been killing Hamels this year. A move to the Brewers would help Hamels continue his success while giving the Brewers a potential ace to go toe-to-toe with other star pitchers.

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