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10 starting pitchers the Philadelphia Phillies could target in free agency

By David Esser

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Jul 3, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Atlanta Braves pitcher relief pitcher Cole Hamels (32) on the field on the first day of workouts at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Atlanta Braves pitcher relief pitcher Cole Hamels (32) on the field on the first day of workouts at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Cole Hamels

2020 Team: Atlanta Braves

2020 Salary: $18 million

Ah yes, good ol’ Cole Hamels. Despite initially breaking the hearts of Phillies fans everywhere by signing with the Atlanta Braves this past offseason, Philly somewhat got the last laugh as Hamels pitched just 3.1 innings while dawning Atlanta’s navy blue.

The veteran lefty commanded quite a hefty price tag on the open market last winter, somewhat pricing the Phils out of a move for their former World Series MVP. Hamels had repeatedly expressed his desire to return to Philadelphia one day, but the $18 million that he ultimately received was simply too much for the Phillies to match.

After a summer’s worth of lingering shoulder issues, Hamels asking price should plummet this upcoming offseason.

Set to turn 37 years old in 2021, putting too much faith in Hamels as a stereotypical #3 might be foolish, especially considering how badly be burned the Braves here in 2020. At best, Hamels is a #4/#5, and the Phillies would have to be prepared for him missing games here and there.

It would be a great signing in terms of emotional appeal, but it might be a silly one on paper. 100% depends on what Hamels health status and asking price look like this free agency.

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