If Cole Hamels wants six years, the Phillies appear ready to give it to him, according to reports.
Jayson Stark wrote today that the Phillies and Cole Hamels agent, John Boggs, have had "intensified discussions" about a new contract for the Phillies' ace. Stark writes:
Another source said the Phillies were now willing to sign Hamels to a
six-year contract, a first for any starting pitcher in club history. For
months, length of contract has been the No. 1 sticking point in the
negotiations. The Phillies initially offered Hamels a four-year
extension last offseason, but they came to the conclusion they had no
alternative but to soften that stance as Hamels drew closer to becoming a
free agent this fall.
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Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal has sources saying similar things:
Certainly exciting developments for Phillies fans in the middle of a rough season.