Philadelphia Phillies should avoid bringing Cole Hamels back
By Dan Parzych
When looking at how dominant the Philadelphia Phillies pitching rotation has looked for the most part, there’s no need to attempt a trade for Cole Hamels.
Nearly three years ago, the Philadelphia Phillies made the tough decision to part ways with Cole Hamels by trading up to the Texas Rangers in exchange for a handful of prospects.
At the time, the Phillies were going through a bit of a rebuilding mode, and as tough as it was to move on from the former World Series MVP, at least the move gave Hamels a chance to play for a team in better position of being a contender.
Turns out, Hamels would end up making a major impact for Texas to finish the 2015 season by finishing with a 7-1 record in 12 starts, as the team would go on to win the AL West before falling to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS.
More from Section 215
- 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
- Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
- Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles
Over the next two seasons with the Rangers, Hamels would combine for an impressive 26-11 record, and even though some believed the team would have what it takes to contend this year, Texas has seen better starts.
The fact that Texas currently sits at the bottom of the division, and still has a long way to go just to get to .500 shows how difficult of a season it’s been so far, with no signs of getting better in sight. Even though there’s still plenty of baseball left since it’s only May, the Rangers may already be looking ahead towards the future by discussing potential trades with current players, including Hamels.
In fact, there’s even been chatter about the possibility of Hamels ending up back in the City of Brotherly Love, although they may have some competition with other interested teams, such as the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.
Seeing the veteran end up on another team in the NL East like the Braves would be a tough pill to swallow for Gape Kapler‘s squad since nobody ever likes to see a former player on a rival, but as far as the Phillies are concerned, is there really a need for Hamels?
Obviously, Hamels is the kind of pitcher that could play a key role in a potential playoff run for Philadelphia a few months down the road. However, when looking at how amazing the Phillies rotation has been as of late, the last thing they want to do is mess things up by bringing Hamels into the mix.
While guys like Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta were expected to dominate the way they have, Philadelphia has been pleased with the stellar play of other pitchers like Nick Pivetta and Vince Velasquez as of late.
Next: 5 potential replacements for Mychal Kendricks
When seeing how much of a case the Phillies have been making as one of the top teams to beat in the National League with stellar pitching being one of the main reasons as to why, there’s no need to add someone like Hamels right now. Hamels will always be considered one of the best players to suit up in Philadelphia, and as tempting as it may be to bring him back, there’s no need to risk messing up what has turned into an impressive rotation by bringing him back into the picture.