Cole Hamels and the Trading Deadline

Posted on May 13th, 2015 by Matt

One of the top off-season story lines wasn’t actually a story at all – it was the non-trade of Cole Hamels. Despite constant speculation and rumors throughout the winter, Hamels was not traded and remains a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Considering the low expectations for the 2015 Phillies, most expected that they would move Hamels to a hamelscontending team in order to acquire some young talent. That has not yet happened, but there is a long way to go in 2015.

Phillies Off to a Predictable Start

There have been plenty of surprised in the early 2015 season, but the Phillies have not been one of them. They are 4-9 after 13 games of the 2015 season, and have been outscored by 24 runs already. The expectation that they would be one of the worst teams in the National League appears well on its way to becoming reality. That means that by the trading deadline at the end of July, the Phillies should be safely in the ‘sellers’ camp.

Hamels Not Helping

The big gamble that the Phillies are taking is that Hamels will maintain his value throughout the season until the trade deadline rolls around. So far, that hasn’t necessarily been the case. After three starts, Hamels is carrying an ERA of 5.00 and has already walked nine batters. His total of 18 strikeouts is impressive, but the seven home runs that he has surrendered could be a potential warning sign to any possible trade partners. Certainly three starts won’t undo all of the good that Hamels has done in his career, but the Phillies are hoping for the maximum return trade value from their top asset – and his start to the season has not helped toward that end.

Boston Playing Well

One of the likely trade targets for Cole Hamels is Boston, as they have assembled a team that appears to have a strong lineup with a questionable starting rotation. However, the Red Sox have started 8-5 on the young season, and the rotation hasn’t been quite as bad as some were predicting. If the Red Sox don’t need to send young talent to Philly for Hamels, the market for their ace will suddenly get smaller. While there is always a need for quality pitchers, the package that Philadelphia is able to receive in return will be directly related to the size and competitiveness of the market as July draws to a close.

 


2002 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Gold Cole Hamels RC #BDP17 Phillies picture

2002 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Gold Cole Hamels RC #BDP17 Phillies

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2002 Bowman Chrome Cole Hamels Rookie RC #17 PSA 9 Mint Philadelphia Phillies picture

2002 Bowman Chrome Cole Hamels Rookie RC #17 PSA 9 Mint Philadelphia Phillies

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2006 Upper Deck Ovation Gold Rookie Autograph Cole Hamels RC Auto 69/99 picture

2006 Upper Deck Ovation Gold Rookie Autograph Cole Hamels RC Auto 69/99

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2021 Topps Retail Foilboard Cole Hamels #495 (545/790) picture

2021 Topps Retail Foilboard Cole Hamels #495 (545/790)

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COLE HAMELS/JEREMY SOWERS DUAL MULTI COLOR PATCH 15/25 PHILLIES/INDIANS  SWEET picture

COLE HAMELS/JEREMY SOWERS DUAL MULTI COLOR PATCH 15/25 PHILLIES/INDIANS SWEET

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2003 Bowman Cole Hamels Certified Autograph Auto Phillies SOF-CH picture

2003 Bowman Cole Hamels Certified Autograph Auto Phillies SOF-CH

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Cole Hamels Philadelphia Phillies Rookie 2003 Topps Gold #671 Ser #/2003 NrMt-Mt picture

Cole Hamels Philadelphia Phillies Rookie 2003 Topps Gold #671 Ser #/2003 NrMt-Mt

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2008 SPx Winning Materials Cole Hamels Autograph Triple Jersey /5 Phillies picture

2008 SPx Winning Materials Cole Hamels Autograph Triple Jersey /5 Phillies

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2006 Topps '52 Rookies #TCRC57 Cole Hamels /1952 RC picture

2006 Topps '52 Rookies #TCRC57 Cole Hamels /1952 RC

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Cole Hamels Signed Philadelphia Phillies WS 11x14 Photo PSA 466 picture

Cole Hamels Signed Philadelphia Phillies WS 11x14 Photo PSA 466

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