Phillies: Cole Hamels would be lucky to end up back in Philly

Could Cole Hamels end up back in a Philadelphia Phillies uniform? If he does, the 2008 World Series MVP should consider himself lucky.

For the past few seasons, Cole Hamels has helped anchor the Texas Rangers rotation. The ex-Philadelphia Phillies pitcher originally joined a solid Rangers roster, paired with ace Yu Darvish as a phenomenal one-two punch. Darvish has since left and not much has been done to replace him. Hamels remains in Texas on a Rangers’ roster without much going for them.

The Rangers aren’t expected to make too much noise this year. They didn’t improve in the offseason, instead focusing on filling holes with mid-level starting pitchers rather than landing an ace. As a team stuck behind the defending champion Houston Astros and two other competitive teams, finding a spot in the postseason will come as a great challenge this year. Likely, it’s just as hard in 2019 as well.

Rumors of Hamels returning to the Phillies did appear this offseason, but never really grew legs. It’s still possible since the team’s starting rotation appears unsure of itself. The Phillies have money to spend and a familiarity with Hamels that could help make him a very lucky man by returning to Philly.

How the Hamels, Phillies reunion happens

Hamels is only under contract for two more seasons. A deal he signed with the Phillies, the crafty lefty makes $23.5 million this year and the potential to make $20 million in 2019. It’s a steep price for a guy now in his mid-30s, clearly on the decline.

Last year Hamels made only 24 starts and posted a 4.20 ERA. Other than the 2009 season, Hamels has never finished with an ERA higher than he had in 2017.

In order for the reunion to take place, the Rangers must first see their playoff dreams fade. They aren’t going to get to the postseason without a true ace in the rotation. Once they’ve accepted their fate, perhaps then they could think about trading Hamels.

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The Phillies are one of the few teams in MLB who would willingly take Hamels at his high price tag. Unfortunately for the Rangers, it still doesn’t seem likely.

Instead of trading for Hamels, the best way Hamels ends up in Philadelphia is via free agency after the 2019 season. The Phillies seem prepared to compete for that year and not either of the two upcoming seasons. There’s a reason why Jake Arrieta and Carlos Santana signed three-year deals ahead of this season. It’s because the Phillies have a specific window in which they expect to win.

Hamels could conceivably return to the Phillies when he’s on the other side of 35 and his former team is simply looking to fill a minor need. Hamels isn’t a difference-maker to launch a team into the postseason. He can, however, get a squad like the Phillies over a hump.

Two years from now, Hamels could fall in line behind Aaron Nola and become the co-number two pitcher alongside Arrieta. Hopefully, the Phillies have also developed another arm or acquired a veteran.

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The Phillies and Hamels are a match to reunite at some point before he hangs up his cleats. Doing so would help his career come full circle and make him one lucky man.