Bomber Bites: Should The Yankees Be Pursuing Cole Hamels Harder?
By Jason Evans
The Yankees could clearly use another starting pitcher. Now that Max Scherzer is off the board, the only big name free agent is James Shields. The big time pitcher who won’t cost as much money, however a lot in prospects is Cole Hamels. According to Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees are on the outside of the trade discussions.
"The Yankees also have inquired, but only as a matter of due diligence — they are not seriously pursuing Hamels, major-league sources say."
If the Phillies want prospects, they are going to want the usual suspects. Luis Severino, Rob Refsnyder, Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez. That’s probably a package that gets it done. Would the Yankees, in a phase where they are getting younger, give up the farm to do it?
I would say at this point probably not. I don’t think the Yankees would want to give up the farm. However, Hamels could be a guy that puts them from a fringe contender into a realistic playoff team.
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Hamels is projected as a 2.6 win player per fangraphs. Chris Capuano is projected to be 0.6. The Yankees are projected to win 82 games. Add Hamels and subtract Capuano that’s 84 wins which puts you right there for a potential wild card spot. Remember, you just need to be one of five now. Just ask the Kansas City Royals.
I think at this point you have to consider Hamels a long shot to be a Yankee. You also have to remember not all prospects pan out. Just ask about Eduardo Nunez and Jesus Montero. You just never know.
I think the Yanks should be pursuing harder and thinking more about getting Hamels. However, I don’t expect it to happen.