What the Cole Hamels Trade Would Really Cost the Rangers

It’s no secret the Texas Rangers are in search and need of at least one starting pitcher to add to the rotation.

Rumors are starting to swirl around the internet claiming Rangers GM Jon Daniels and Philadelphia Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. are quietly negotiating a trade for left-handed pitcher Cole Hamels.

This trade could make an immediate impact on the club, but at what cost?

"Those aware of the Phillies desires say the team would have to get two top talents to move Hamels, who is signed through 2018 at $96 million and possibly through 2019 at $110 million if his option kicks in.” (via Jim Salisbury, CSNPHILLY.com)"

MONEY: Let’s talk about Hamels’ contract for a minute.

If the Texas Rangers acquire the 31-year old lefty they obviously inherit his contract. Of course they’d have him locked up through 2018 but for $96,000,000. I’m not sure the Rangers can afford another heavy contract. Take a look at who is signed through 2015 and for how much (per Cot’s Baseball Contracts):

*You may want to sit down for this.*

Prince Fielder – $24,000,000
Adrian Beltre – $18,000,000
Elvis Andrus – $15,250,000
Shin-Soo Choo – $14,000,000
Matt Harrison – $13,200,000
Yu Darvish – $10,000,000
Derek Holland – $7,400,000
Leonys Martin – $4,750,000
Neftali Feliz – $4,125,000
Colby Lewis – $4,000,000
Ross Detwiler – $3,450,000
Martin Perez – $1,250,000
Kyuji Fujikawa – $1,000,000
Adam Rosales – $900,000

Total: $121,325,000

Remember, this does not include whatever salary the Rangers and Mitch Moreland agree to.

Now, add Cole Hamels’ 2015 salary ($23.5MM) and that puts the Rangers around $145MM.

OK, OK, you get it. Hamels is going to cost some money, but isn’t he worth it?

Glad you asked. It depends on how you look at it. Because this isn’t just about the money. No. This trade is about prospects.