Fansided

MLB trade rumors: One player each team should target

By Baasil Ebrahim

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
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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ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 02: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on June 2, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 02: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on June 2, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Phillies

Cole Hamels, SP

Even after signing Jake Arrieta this offseason, the Phillies have one of the smallest payrolls in the MLB. So, with FanGraphs giving them about a 15% chance to make the playoffs and a record over .500 they should go for it this year. They should be willing to take on a big contract for this year so they can try to make the playoffs and get their young roster some playoff experience.

They could bring in someone like Jon Jay to play right field. Jay has the potential to be a part of a Royals fire sale this trade deadline. He’s hitting over .300 and would be a significant upgrade for a Phillies lineup that has struggled to score. The Phillies should think bigger though. Why settle for Jon Jay? If they are going to go for it this year, they should fully go for it. Get Cole Hamels.

A reunion with Cole Hamels would be a big risk for the Phillies. Hamels is giving up more home runs than ever this year and Citizens Bank Park is very much hitter friendly. However, if he becomes to Cole Hamels of two years ago and gets more ground balls, while giving up less home runs, the Phillies pitching staff would be great.

The top of the rotation would feature Aaron Nola, Jake Arrieta, and Cole Hamels. Those three could pitch the Phillies to the playoffs and be tough to beat in a playoff series. They need to get Cole Hamels back in a Phillies uniform and go all in on this season.

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