10 free agents the Philadelphia Phillies should still be interested in
By David Esser
Cole Hamels, SP
It might not be the best move in terms of the Philadelphia Phillies longterm plans, but it would undoubtedly provide a jolt of excitement into the ball club – something this team desperately needs.
Cole Hamels signed a massive one-year/$18 million contract with the Atlanta Braves last offseason, a move that backfired quite spectacularly for Atlanta. Hamels only made one appearance, lasting just 3.1 innings before departing due to some lingering shoulder issues. It was a lost year for Hamels, and one that has seriously brought his market value back down to worth.
Spotrac.com currently has his expected value set at $3.9 million, which is more in line with what the Phillies are looking to spend on a fifth starter this offseason.
Again, a move like this does little to solidify the team’s rotation past 2021, but it does give them another arm to rely upon should Vince Velasquez stumble back towards the bullpen once more. It’s unreasonable to expect 30+ starts out of Hamels (he’s approaching 40 years of age), but he could be a valuable spot starter for a team that lacks pitching depth.
Throw in the fact that every Phillies fan in the world wants him to retire in Philadelphia, and it’s a low risk move that would be met with little criticism.