Should The Yankees Go After Cole Hamels?

It appears Cole Hamels is ready to get out of the City of Brotherly Love. The Phillies are in a clear rebuild and could look to cash in their big chip to accelerate the process. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Phillies ace gave the team his permission to trade him to the Yankees among others.

Hamels, per Fangraphs is projected to be at 2.5 WAR. Chris Capuano is projected at .6 so that would bring the Yankees to 85 wins which puts them at second in the division from tied for third. Hamels has four years and $90 million left on his deal, which would be cheaper than signing Max Scherzer or James Shields. 

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However, at what cost would he come for?

I would think either Luis Severino or Ian Clarkin would have to be involved. I also would think either Aaron Judge or Greg Bird would be involved. Then top it off with Gary Sanchez and maybe another player. Is that worth the cost of adding Hamels?

To me, I would want to hang on to all of those guys if I could. When Scherzer or Shields cost you just money and a pick, why then compound taking on the money with losing some of your top prospects.

To me, if the Yankees are going to add an arm it should be through free agency, not trade. I think the Yankees would be better off avoiding Hamels at this time.