We’ve already seen a few trades go down, but the starting pitching market hasn’t moved yet. That could change as the Texas Rangers may deal Cole Hamels in the next couple of weeks.
Just a few years ago, Cole Hamels was dealt to Texas Rangers as, the possible last piece to a championship puzzle. Now, just a couple of year later, the club looks ready to deal Hamels, and it may be the first domino in the starting pitching trade market to go.
Sources: #Rangers groundwork on a Cole Hamels trade has advanced to the point that a deal before the All-Star Game is increasingly possible. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 29, 2018
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Hamels is 4-6 this year with a 3.61 ERA. In 97.1 innings, he’s struck out 97, but allowed 87 hits and 37 walks.
His K rate is up this year to 8.97 per nine. However, his HR/FB rate is up from 12% to 21%. His FIP of 5.23 is also well above his ERA.
His soft contact rate is up 3% from last year. However, his hard contact rate is up from 36% to 44%. His velocity is also down almost a full MPH.
Hamels contract is also of note. There is a $20 million team option for next year. It becomes a vesting option of $24 million should he reach 200 innings this year and 400 innings combined between 2017 and 2018, but that is unlikely to happen.
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So where could he go? Maybe the Texas Rangers trade him back to Philadelphia. They can absorb the full salary no problem for next year. The New York Yankees have the prospects and could use another starting pitcher, especially a left-handed one which is useful at Yankee Stadium.
The issue is the money, as they want to stay under the luxury tax and possibly go on a spending spree in the off-season. Maybe the Atlanta Braves could use more of a veteran presence in the rotation.
The Texas Rangers rebuild will be in full effect and it looks like Hamels will be the first to go and maybe pretty soon. Where he goes will have an impact on the other moves by other clubs at the Trade Deadline.