The New York Yankees will likely be quite active as the July 31 trade deadline nears.
One name that has been linked to the Yankees recently is Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels. The New York Post is reporting that Hamels would be willing to waive his no trade clause to join the Yankees if his current team can swing a deal. Hamels told The Post that winning is what he is focused on .
“The opportunity to play for a team that could ultimately get to the World Series is what every guy hopes for and what every guy works for, starting with the offseason and spring training. There are certain periods in your career, which are your peak years, and that’s where you want to make the most of your impact, and I think that’s where the situation really is. To make the most of my impact, the opportunities have to be there, that’s how you become even better.”
Hamels has had a good season with a Phillies team that has the worst record in all of baseball. In 14 starts Hamels has a record of 5-5 with an earned run average of 2.96. He has 103 strikeouts in 94 1/3 innings pitched. The 31-year-old is signed through 2018 at a salary of $23.5 million per year.
The Phillies are in rebuild mode and Hamels is the guy they need to deal to they can bring back some solid prospects. The Yankees do have some prospects they could deal, but will the Phillies asking price be too high for New York.
The Yankees aren’t the only team in on Hamels. The Texas Rangers are said to be engaged in talks with the Phillies. Fox Sports is also reporting that Hamels would block a trade to the Houston Astros.
If the Yankees land Hamels he would be a great addition. He is used to being an ace in high pressure situations and would do just fine at Yankee Stadium. He was the Most Valuable Player in both the National League Championship Series and the World Series back in 2008, so the glare of the New York spotlight won’t bother him. Adding a quality starter would allow the Yankees to move one of their current starters to the bullpen and give them some injury insurance. When Yankees fans are holding their breath each time Masahiro Tanaka throws a pitch, it would be nice to have a fallback ace. New York could look elsewhere for help as they have also been linked to Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto as reported on here at the Inquisitr .
Do you think the New York Yankees need Cole Hamels? Would getting Hamels make the Yankees favorites in the A.L. East? Or is a guy like Johnny Cueto a better fit for New York?
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