Texas Rangers Trade Feature: Cole Hamels

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CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 30: Starting pitcher Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers checks the scoreboard after leaving the game during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on April 30, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Trading Cole Hamels is the only option

There are only a few outcomes…

The Rangers keep Hamels and he wins 10 games in 2018 for a team that will not make the playoffs. They pick up his 2019 option and he wins 10 to 15 games in 2019. Again, for a team that will not make the playoffs. Texas can hope he pitches better next year to increase his value; though, that is unlikely as Hamels will be one year older with an additional 200+ innings of stress on his left arm.

On the other hand, they can trade him right now, when they have a great understanding of his value.

Hamels has an outstanding postseason pedigree, including a World Series MVP from the ’08 season with the Philadelphia Phillies. He hasn’t been at his best this season, but he’s still managed a 3.61 ERA. From the perspective of contending teams, he is not an ace. Rather, he’ll likely find himself third or fourth in a contending rotation. Still, third or fourth is just as important as first or second come the playoffs.

The Texas Rangers also benefit in the sense that the trade market for starting pitchers is fairly bare this year. Cole Hamels stands out as one of the top names. Unlike other rumored starters, such as Chris Archer and J.A. Happ, Hamels has extensive postseason experience. Moreover, he has World Series experience.

Now is the opportune time to cash in on Cole Hamels.

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