Phillies Sign Cole Hammels to Huge 6-Year, $144 Million Deal

The Philadelphia Phillies decided it best not to let Cole Hamels hit the market at the end of year. They locked up Hamels to a 6-year, $144 million deal. It’s the largest contract ever for a Philly, and the 2nd-highest for any pitcher. Only CC Sabathia’s 7-year, $161 million contract is larger.

The two sides were trying to get this deal worked out since they began negotiations last May, and they finally got something done. The Phillies they were able to keep 28-year old lefty in Philadelphia, however it did come at a lofty price.

The Phillies now have three starters making over $20 million, and last I checked they’re sitting in 5th place in the NL East.

In his first 7 seasons, Hamels is 85-58 with a 3.38 ERA. He’s never won more than 15 games in a season, and he’s only had an ERA under 3 once. He’s obviously a fan favorite, and a tremendous talent, but the Phillies drastically over paid.

Let be honest though, if they didn’t pay him the money someone else certainly would have and they didn’t want to see him leave. The Phillies are not only planning to build their future around their rotation, but they believe they still have an outside chance at contending for that second wild card spot in 2012. It’s a reach, but let last year be an example. Anything can happen.

Despite all the rumors out there, I don’t feel like Phillies will be sellers at the deadline. They would be right in the thick of things if it wasn’t for a vast number of injuries to their regular position players.

Given the fact they locked up Hamels, I don’t feel like they’ll trade away Cliff Lee, especially since he’s still owed $87.5 MM on his contract. Cliff Lee isn’t going anywhere, but let’s be honest, either are the Phillies. Their 5-year reign atop the NL East is over. They’ve still got plenty of time to prove me wrong.

Aaron Kirn is the Director of Video for Rant Sports.

Follow him on Twitter @AaronKirn #RantMLB