Entering the offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies had hopes of signing starting pitcher Cole Hamels to a long-term contract extension. However, it looks like the Phillies and Hamels, who’s set to hit free agency following the 2012 season, are now focused on reaching an agreement for yet another one-year deal.
Last night Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock told Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com that Hamels and the club are “focused on a one-year deal”. Though the Phillies have “had discussions” with Hamels, the sides have been unable to reach an agreement on a multi-year contract extension.
Salisbury notes that the Phillies have a policy of not commenting on negotiations with players publically, so it remains unknown if talks have recently hit a snag. What is clear is that the Phillies are comfortable signing Hamels for the 2012 season and seeing what happens next winter.
Proefrock told CSNPhilly.com that Philadelphia still has “plenty of time down the road” to reach an agreement with Hamels and his agent. This is all that Proefrock was willing to say regarding negotiations before he reiterated that both sides are “focused on a one-year arbitration deal”.
2012 marks the final year of Hamels arbitration. After the season the 28-year-old lefty will hit the open market if the Phillies are unable to lock him up.
While Hamels’ future remains uncertain for the time being, it does appear that sides have a mutual interest in getting a deal done. Proefrock said that “all indications” point at Hamels being happy in Philadelphia, and that the Phillies would “love to have him long-term”.
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