If the New York Yankees need to improve anything on the current roster it is their starting rotation and they might have a big name on their radar.
The New York Yankees are reportedly interested in Texas Rangers left-handed starting pitcher Cole Hamels according to the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.
“You could see a team like the Braves or Phillies or Yankees show interest in the veteran lefty. Hamels would likely waive his no-trade provision.”
Hamels is 34-years-old and in the final year of a six-year contract extension he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, prior to the 2013 season. However, should the Yankees (or any team) acquire Hamels, it doesn’t have to be a rental since Hamels’ has a club option for $20 million in 2019, according to spotrac.com.
In nine games this season, Hamels is 2-4 with a 3.48 ERA. He’s struck out 57 batters over 51.2 innings, allowing 20 earned runs during that span. This year marks the fourth year that Hamels has spent in the American League after coming to Texas in a 2015 trade. He has put up a 3.66 ERA since joining the junior circuit with a 35-16 record.
With the Yankees still trying to figure out their rotation right now, being linked to Hamels is a no-brainer. They are currently without Jordan Montgomery who is on the disabled list with a left flexor strain. Sonny Gray hasn’t been what the Yankees thought he was going to be, even though he is starting to turn it around. You don’t know if you can trust C.C. Sabathia knees to last the entire season, and Masahiro Tanaka is always a question mark.
Bringing Hamels will give the Yankees another starter who they know what they will get when on the mound. Currently, ace Luis Severino is the only starter on the roster who you can say that about.
This would not be the first time that Hamels has been linked to the Yankees in trade talks. During the 2015 season, Jon Heyman of FRS Baseball reported that the Yankees rejected a trade for the lefty because Philadelphia wanted either Severino or Aaron Judge.
yanks decline request of severino or judge for hamels; texas and dodgersremain more likely there. http://t.co/vfJ90fQ3Bj
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2015
Now the Yankees can go after Hamels but won’t have to include the likes of a Severino or Judge, who have established themselves as two of baseballs’ best players. Imagine where this team would be now if they caved in and gave one of them up? It’s scary to think about.
The trade deadline is only two months away, but it’s never to early to start thinking about improving your team. Especially one as good as the Bronx Bombers.
