Is trading Cole Hamels an option the Phillies would ever consider?
Speaking with Amy Fadool and Corey Seidman on Philly Sports Talk Thursday, John Gonzalez discussed the major change in attitude the Phillies would be making by dealing the 2008 World Series MVP.
“[Trading Hamels] would be fascinating,” Gonzalez said. “It would definitely signal a shift in organizational philosophy away from, ‘We’re never going to hit the reset button, we’re never to be the Houston Astros, the fans won’t get on board with it’ to, ‘We messed this up and we’ve got to start over.’”
Hamels signed a six year, $144 million contract extension less than two years ago during the 2012 season. The 30-year-old has a 2.93 ERA this season despite his 3-5 record.
In nine years with the Phillies, Hamels is 102-79 with a 3.35 ERA and his 1,615 strikeouts are third most in franchise history behind Hall of Famers Steve Carlton and Robin Roberts.
With the Phillies 42-53 and in last place in the NL East coming out of the All-Star break, Hamels is one of numerous players on the roster that could possibly be traded before the July 31 deadline.
“If he can get the biggest return, I would move him,” Gonzalez said. “You’ve got to start over at some point.”
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