Philadelphia Phillies looking for at least three prospects for Cole Hamels

The Philadelphia Phillies are under no obligation to move Cole Hamels this offseason, but the team has made it clear that they are open to doing so and the timing might never be better. The team, as expected, is reportedly asking for a significant return if they decide to pull the trigger on a deal – with CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury hearing that it’ll take at least three prospects.

"Industry sources say the Phils are looking for at least three top prospects, two that can play right now and another that isn’t far away. The Cubs and Red Sox are two known suitors and both have the farm systems to get a deal done – if they are willing to meet the Phillies’ rightfully high asking price. Amaro and interim club president Pat Gillick must play the Cubs and Red Sox (and maybe even the Dodgers) against each other as they try to maximize their return on Hamels. If they don’t get what they want, they should hang on to Hamels and float his name again in July when a pitching-thirsty contender might be more desperate to ante up."

Hamels quietly had another solid season in 2014, posting a 2.46 ERA and 1.148 WHIP over 204.2 IP – his fifth straight season above the 200 inning plateau and sixth in the last seven years – while also allowing a career-low 0.6 HR/9. He’s been durable, consistent, will only turn 31 this December, and it’s clear why he’s appealing to teams in search of a premier starting pitcher.

With four years and $96 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract, Hamels is a more cost-effective alternative to the free agent market’s top two options in Max Scherzer and Jon Lester – with each expected to receive deals in upwards of $150 million.

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Hamels does have a limited no trade clause in his contract, allowing him to name up to ten teams that he cannot be traded to without  his consent. That list was updated following the conclusion of the 2014 season, but it’s unknown which teams are presently on it. As Salisbury notes, if Hamels included the Cubs, Red Sox, and Dodgers on his list then that would give him more leverage to ensure that the option is picked up at the end of his deal. At five years, $116 million Hamels’ remaining deal would still be appealing to compared the the alternative options.

Teams may be willing to take on such a commitment financially, but it remains to be seen how willing they will be to part with the prospects it may take to make a deal happen. Moving three top prospects – likely at least one being a pitcher and another an outfielder – is no bargain, even for a club with a deep farm system like the Cubs and Red Sox.