Fansided

MLB Trade Rumors: 5 teams that should be all-in on Cole Hamels

By Joshua Sadlock

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

Momentum could be building towards a Cole Hamels trade, and these five teams need to make a push for the veteran left-hander.

Reports began circulating last week that the Texas Rangers could look to move veteran left-hander Cole Hamels before the July 17 All-Star Game. Hamels was acquired by the Rangers back in 2015 in an effort to get the team over the hump and past the first round of the playoffs. The 34-year-old has held up and pitched well in Texas, but the roster continues to crumble around him. A rebuild is coming for the Rangers, and Hamels, who is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, will be one of the first pieces to go.

The hope for the Rangers has to be that contenders will be able to overlook the choppy first half Hamels has endured. He has been awful at Globe Life Park, but has much better numbers on the road. A fly-ball pitcher, Hamels is not made for the hot Texas air that makes his home ballpark a launching pad. The home-road splits for the veteran left-hander have been very sharp this year, and a home park more suited to his pitching style should allow Hamels to deliver down the stretch for a contender.

Hamels is a proven winner with a track record of success in the playoffs. His contract situation and extensive no-trade protection does make getting a trade done slightly complicated, but his desire to pitch for a winner again will help get things moving. If a deal is going to come together quickly, these five teams need to be ready with their best offers.

5. Milwaukee Brewers

The best record in the National League has belonged to the Milwaukee Brewers for most of the season, but they have begun hitting some adversity. Injuries to Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain come at a bad time. The Brewers are just ninth in the NL in runs scored and have the 13th-best rotation in baseball. Much of their success comes from their dominant bullpen slamming the door in the latter innings after the rest of the team does just enough to win.

The Brewers should have been more aggressive on the starter front this winter, but can make up for that lack of movement at the trade deadline. Hamels is right there for the taking thanks to the deep farm system Milwaukee has built up. Of course, Jacob deGrom looms as a more appealing target, but if the Brewers prefer to hold onto more of their prospects, then Hamels makes for a solid Plan B.

Home/MLB