FanPost

A Somewhat, Slightly, Maybe Realistic Cole Hamels Trade

Cole-Hamels-Carlos-Ruiz-010.0.jpg

Boston Gets: SP Cole Hamels, C Carlos Ruiz

Philadelphia Gets: SP Henry Owens, OF Jackie Bradley Jr., C Christian Vazquez, and 2B Sean Coyle

It seems the three teams that have the resources to acquire Cole Hamels are the Dodgers, the Cubs, and the Red Sox. L.A. has the big three in Seager, Pederson, and Urias, but seem extremely unwilling to move any of them. If that stays the same then they’re out. The Cubs are loaded with promising hitting prospects, but may want to improve their pitching through free agency rather than trades. That leaves Boston.

They’re built to win next year but are without a stable presence at the front of the rotation. They could be in on James Shields, Max Scherzer, or maybe even a reunion with Jon Lester, but the cheaper option is Cole Hamels. While Lester or Scherzer could demand over $150 million deals, the Phillies ace makes $90 million over the next 4 years. Acquiring a pitcher of Hamels stature will not be cheap as far as prospects though.

8579656246_f79726e62e.0.jpg

The Red Sox top pitching prospect, left-hander Henry Owens, would almost certainly have to be included in the deal. The Phillies major league ready pitching depth is extremely shallow. Owens made six starts in AAA last year and could be in a big league rotation at the start of the season.

081814soxmw24.0.jpg

The Phillies would likely ask for catcher Blake Swihart, but could settle for defensive standout Christian Vazquez. The 24 year-old has been compared to a young Yadier Molina. The inclusion of Vazquez is where Ruiz comes in to play. With Vazquez out of the Boston picture Swihart would become the clear catcher of the future for the Red Sox. However, Swihart is yet to play above AA and may need another year or two of seasoning. Boston would be without a starting catcher. Ruiz could serve as a stopgap for the Sox behind the plate until Swihart is ready.

451939386.0.jpg

Jackie Bradley Jr. struggled mightily in his rookie season in Boston and played his way behind players such as Mookie Betts, Rusney Castillo, and Yoenis Cespedes on the outfield depth chart. While the Phillies would love to acquire Betts, he may have done the opposite of Bradley Jr., and played his way to untouchable status in his rookie year. Bradley Jr. is like Vazquez in that he has struggled offensively, but also in that he is a phenomenal defender. Many have already crowned him the best defensive center fielder in all of baseball. The potential for Bradley is there and he could fit nicely roaming Citizens Bank Park’s outfield for the next few seasons.

14734961911_4ca9f9c623_b_e1r6nzsr_x2ij1hum.0.jpg

The Phillies may need one more piece in the deal and Sean Coyle could be that guy. The infielder played last season in AA Portland and showed the ability to be a .285/ 15 HR/ 15 SB type of second baseman at the major league level. Coyle is obviously blocked by Dustin Pedroia in Boston. He played some third last season but profiles much better at second base. The 22 year-old could be the successor of Chase Utley when the time is right.

Overall, a trade like this could be a good first step in the rebuilding of the franchise, giving the Phillies three young up the middle players to go along with JP Crawford in the future, as well as a pitcher with ace potential.