Trade Series PT 3: Cole Hamels Blockbuster to the Yankees

Yankees:


As always, the Yankees are one of the top teams in baseball. Their offense is nearly unstoppable, and despite an injury to Michael Pineda before the season and Mariano Rivera, their pitching staff has been putting it together, with only a few headaches. The Yankees have been known to make big splashes in trades, but this year may be different because of Brian Cashman's declaration that he will not be making big moves at the deadline this year. The Yankees may not pull the trigger on Hamels because they aim to get under the luxury tax threshold next year, and having Hamels on the payroll may cost them an additional $22-26 million per year that they won't be able to spend. As stated in earlier posts, the Phillies are starting to age and it seems that they may be getting closer to the point of selling as each day progresses.

LHP Cole Hamels to the Yankees for LHP Manny Banuelos, RHP Dellin Betances, C Gary Sanchez, OF Slade Heathcott


The Yankees get another big name to put into their rotation, and Hamels would fill a huge spot for the Yankees, who are missing CC Sabathia and Pettitte with injuries right now. If the Yankees were to trade with him, they would be fully capable of signing him to an extension. The only thing that may keep them from doing this is if they do not want to go over the luxury tax threshold next year. The Yankees do not need to drop big on Hamels to keep themselves in the race and secure their playoff spot, but he sure as hell would help.

The Phillies, once again need to get prospects for Hamels, as their chances of resigning him are getting smaller. This trade would net them two near-ready pitchers to put into their rotation and a great catching prospect in Sanchez, who might ready in time for when Ruiz might leave in free agency or not be good enough to start. Heathcott is a good talent to have around for the future, as his ceiling is pretty high, and he might develop into a good hitting outfielder to eventually replace Victorino.

It has been stated in different blogs that the Phillies asking price might already be too high for the Yankees, who are reluctant to part with prospects and increase payroll much this year.