According to a report from Hardball Talk citing Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly as the source, the Phillies negotiations for Cole Hamels are at a standstill.
Jim Salisbury reported “the Phillies are involved in staredowns with four teams involving Cole Hamels.” The Red Sox, Cardinals, Rangers and Padres are apparently the four teams Ruben Amaro Jr. is talking to about Hamels at this point in the process.
The report does not list the Cubs as one of the teams the Phillies may be engaged with conversations about Cole Hamels.
Salisbury echoes reports earlier this week that the Phillies are simply asking too much for Hamels.
According to the report from Hardball Talk, Salisbury said “it will be tough for the Phillies to get the value they’re looking for and a trade isn’t likely to happen until the Phillies are into the warm weather months.”
Ruben Amaro Jr. is looking for at least three top, impact prospects for Hamels, and there are rumblings he may want four top prospects for Hamels, plus the acquiring team to take his entire contract.
Cole Hamels is guaranteed $96 million over the next four years ($22.5 million in 2015-18 with a $6 million buyout on a $20 million club option for 2019) and it is believed he would waive his no-trade rights to a team that he could block a deal to if the option is picked up.
While the contract is more than affordable for a pitcher the quality of Cole Hamels, teams are not willing to spend the prospect currency to acquire Hamels and assume all of the risk on his contract.
Jon Heyman spoke with an executive that questioned if Amaro Jr. is really committed to trading Hamels based on his demands.
When the Cardinals entered the mix for Hamels, it was reported John Mozeliak would likely have to include RHP Carlos Martinez or LHP Marco Gonzalez, plus either OF Randal Grichuk or OF Stephen Piscotty in a package for Hamels.
The Red Sox are not budging, according to Nick Cafardo, about including INF/OF Mookie Betts or C Blake Swihart in deal for Hamels.
And based on a report from Jon Heyman, A.J. Preller did not acquire OF Wil Meyers to flip him in a deal for Hamels. The Padres might be willing to include top prospects such as C Austin Hedges, RHP Matt Wisler and/or OF Hunter Renfroe in a package for Hamels.
The Dodgers, like the Cubs, were not among the teams listed that are in a staredown with the Phillies. Andrew Friedman is believed to be interested in trading for Hamels.
Ruben Amaro Jr. should try to max out his best trading chip to help speed up the Phillies rebuild. Based on reports he might have to back down in order to move the player if that’s really what he wants to do.