Report: Hamels Would ‘Love To Be Traded’
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — While he hasn’t said so publicly, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Phillies star pitcher Cole Hamels wants out of Philadelphia.
In his newest piece, Nightengale wrote, “Hamels knows he can’t say a word. Yet, if his world could possibly be a little more perfect, he’d love to be traded this winter.”
Hamels, 30, is at the top of his game. His 2.46 ERA last season was tied for eighth best in all of baseball and his 6.6 wins above replacement level is tied for fourth best among starters. Nevertheless, of the top 30 MLB pitchers in terms of ERA, Hamels was one of only three with less than double-digits wins.
And he can thank his cascading Phillies for that.
In July of 2012, Hamels signed a six-year contract extension worth a hefty $144 million. However, as Nightengale writes, Hamels also expected the Phillies to be a contender.
“He would have laughed in your face if you told him two years ago the Phillies would be rebuilding, coming to the painful realization this winter it will take years before they’re competitive again,” Nightengale wrote.
While Nightengale did not have any direct quotes from Hamels in his piece, he did quote Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr., who said Hamels is, “happy to go” and “wants to win.”
Phillies fans will understand if the former World Series MVP is dealt in hopes of rebuilding the ball club into a winner, but the pressure will immediately fall on the hazardous Amaro Jr. to get the perfect package in return.
Read the full report here.
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