MLB Free Agents: 3 teams that could grab Cole Hamels
By Clint Manry
MLB Free Agents: 3 Contenders for Cole Hamels
A possible reunion in Philly?
This may seem like the more logical choice, especially since Cole Hamels is so familiar with the organization, racking up 294 starts with the Phils from 2006-15. Although, it’s not just about a reunion… the Philadelphia Phillies need starting pitching.
Philadelphia’s 2019 starting rotation consisted of regulars: Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin, Jake Arrieta, and Vince Velasquez; with contributions from Nick Pivetta, Drew Smyly, Jason Vargas, and Jared Eickhoff. Altogether, the group collectively produced just 7.6 WAR — good for 21st in the majors (when accounting for ties).
With 37-year-old Vargas and 31-year-old Smyly both MLB free agents and likely gone (as together they cost the Phillies $15 million in 2019), plus Eickhoff is a free agent this winter (though he cost less than $1 million this past season), the Phillies will need to acquire at least someone who can account for some innings.
Looking at that 2019 WAR total above may illustrate a need for perhaps a more productive pitcher than Hamels, but with the Phillies strapped down with some rather high-priced players, the team may be better suited spreading out the budget this winter:
Top 2020 Salaries ($ against Luxury Tax)
- OF, Bryce Harper: $25.384 million
- SP, Jake Arrieta: $25 million
- OF, Andrew McCutchen: $25 million
- SS, Jean Segura: $14 million
In case you’re not keeping count, that’s almost $90 million (or 51% of the team’s current payroll) dedicated to just four players in 2020, and the team still has other needs such as a third baseman and some bullpen help.
The Phillies did just hire a new manager, though, bringing in a proven skipper with a history of winning, in Joe Girardi. And with all the stupid money spent in 2019, and nothing to show for yet, it’s too late now for the Phillies to start being stingy.
Phillies’ GM Matt Klentak also passed on several solid starting pitchers last offseason, allowing guys like Dallas Keuchel and Patrick Corbin to sign with other teams. There’s no doubt that Klentak wishes he’d been more aggressive in 2019 with regards to improving the rotation.
Regardless, the Phillies will be smart to do something as it pertains to its 2020 starting staff. Whether that means a reunion with Cole Hamels is a possibility, we’ll have to see.