MLB Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Could Pursue Deal For Cole Hamels

Fresh Videos

By

Cole Hamels

Getty Images

With the signing of Joe Maddon as their new manager, the Chicago Cubs sped up the excitement for competing in the NL Central. Even if it’s not completely rational, a lot of people are expecting them to compete in the division in 2015. Of course, they’re expected to pursue top-of-the-rotation starting pitching free agents such as Jon Lester, Max Scherzer and James Shields. Well, now it appears there could be another ace added to that mix.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports is reporting that the Cubs are once again in talks with the Philadelphia Phillies to possibly acquire lefty ace Cole Hamels. After last year’s trade deadline, the Cubs put in a waiver claim for him. There was then a three-day window in which the two teams could negotiate a trade. Given the fact the Phillies reportedly wanted prospect Addison Russell in a deal, talks quickly fell apart.

However, with more time to consider a trade, perhaps a deal can get done this time around. The Cubs aren’t going to be parting with Russell in a deal. They do, however, have several prospects who could still be appealing to Philadelphia. One of those guys is first baseman Dan Vogelbach, who could make sense for a team that is reportedly looking to deal former All-Star Ryan Howard.

Hamels has four years remaining on his original contract and is due an average of $24 million per season ($22.5 per plus $6 million buyout for 2019) for those four remaining years. A lot of this deal could hinge on the Phillies eating a little bit of that deal. Even if they didn’t, Hamels could be cheaper than Lester or Scherzer, who will likely command between $26-28 million annually.

Even though he’d come at a lower financial cost, Hamels would cost the team prospects. If they feel the deal is right, they could pull the trigger. It’s hard to believe, but the team could afford to trade for Hamels and then sign Lester in free agency. After next season, ace David Price will become a free agent. It’s highly unlikely that the team can afford all three, but if they could even land two of the three in the next 13 months, they would be in incredible shape heading into the 2016 season.

While all the talk is centered around the Maddon hire and the Cubs’ bright future, this rebuilding project is built to have the team competing for championships starting in 2016. They should take big steps forward in 2015 and could even compete for a Wild Card spot. With Hamels and either Lester or Price by 2016, there’s no way the league could overlook this slowly developing powerhouse any more.

 

Share Tweet
Trending Now on