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Say hey, baseball: Cole Hamels would refuse trade to Astros
Wednesday morning’s baseball includes Cole Hamels’ updated no-trade list, bad parenting at baseball games and Nelson Cruz’s dislocated pelvic bone. Subscribe for your daily Say Hey!
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
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Cole Hamels has had a long time to consider his next career move, and while he’s still a ways away from deciding on a new major league membership, he is adamant about one thing: he will not be suiting up for the Houston Astros. According to reports from Daniel Gotera of KHOU, the left-hander’s contract accords him up to 20 teams that he can refuse to be traded to, and the Astros are at the top of the list despite leading their division and boasting an outstanding pitching staff.
Hamels has turned out a decent season for the Phillies so far, sitting on a 5-5 record with a 3.55 FIP and 103 strikeouts through 94 1/3 innings. His 2.96 ERA is the 11th best among National League starters, and though his efforts have yielded a team-best 1.7 fWAR, the Phillies can better utilize him as a trade chip during the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
The veteran southpaw may not be moving to Houston, but he hasn’t ruled out all American League contenders just yet. Jon Morosi confirmed ongoing talks between Hamels and the Rangers and Yankees, both of whom could use an upgrade to their pitching staffs as they approach the All-Star break. Hamels is set to earn $70.5 million between 2016 and 2018, and while his price tag isn’t holding teams back, there’s been some doubt as to whether the Phillies can find a prospect package to their liking.
A lot can change over the next five weeks, but however things shake out, let’s hope that the next time Hamels clears out his locker will be the last.
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- Mychal Givens’ first week with the Orioles was one to remember.
- Carlos Martinez is one of the strongest starters in the Cardinals’ rotation, but it might be in the team’s best interest to curb his innings.
- Which teams should be the most active at the trade deadline?
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