MLB Trade Deadline: Ideal landing spots for remaining big names
Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
There’s not a finer starting pitcher on the trade block right now than Cole Hamels. After his recent no-no, the Philadelphia Phillies front office must be beaming about what that did for his value less than a week before the July 31 MLB trade deadline.
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However, Hamels might not be the best starting pitcher being shopped if the Detroit Tigers decide to get a king’s ransom for David Price. Both are elite aces capable of carrying a team at times, but Hamels probably still has to have larger incentive for suitors to acquire him due to the long-term implications left on his contract. The 31-year-old southpaw is controlled through 2018 with an option for 2019, at no more than $23.5 million salary in any of those four years.
Price, meanwhile, will turn 30 at the end of August and has primed himself for a Max Scherzer-like contract this offseason. Given that he would be a pure rental, the Phillies might have more leverage trying to shop Hamels to payroll friendly organizations with bright outlooks beyond 2015.
As for position players and relievers, there is a hearty batch of both rumored to be on the move this week. With Scott Kazmir going to the Astros and Johnny Cueto having landed in Kansas City already, who should be the next big name to change area codes before the MLB trade deadline? And where makes the most sense?
Next: Starters