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
4 of 5
Next
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 20: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Seattle Mariners 7-5. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 20: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Seattle Mariners 7-5. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

2. Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners have already been linked to the Rangers in early talks around Hamels. The surprise contender for the AL West — not just the Wild Card — has already been active on the trade front, acquiring closer Alex Colome and outfielder Denard Span. Jerry Dipoto is the general manager, and the dealmaking is far from over this summer as the Mariners get ready to go back to the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

Were it not for a scuffling starting rotation, the Mariners may have ended their long playoff drought last season. James Paxton is finally putting together a healthy season (knocks wood), while Marco Gonzalez and Wade LeBlanc have been pleasant surprises. Felix Hernandez continues to struggle, and could be phased out of the rotation if the right move can be made at the deadline.

Though Hamels has struggled in Texas this year, he looks like a good fit for the Mariners and spacious Safeco Field. Seattle has also committed in a big way to building one of the best defensive outfield in the league, which will help the fly-ball pitcher. Safeco has skewed towards pitchers even more than usual this season.

Money is unlikely to be an issue for the Mariners, but they do not have many elite prospects to offer in exchange for Hamels. If the Rangers are willing to make this trade more about shedding salary, then the Mariners make a lot of sense as a potential trade partner. The lack of prospect depth will keep Seattle out of trade talks for deGrom, but they can make a deal work for Hamels.

Home/MLB