According to USA Today writer Bob Nightengale, Philadelphia Phillies lefty Cole Hamels is willing to waive his no-trade clause for a deal involving the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, or seven as-of-yet unnamed National League teams:
Cole Hamels gave permission to #Yankees and #Rangers in AL and seven NL teams including #Padres
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 21, 2014
Hamels wouldn't be a cheap investment for GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees, with $94 million in guaranteed money due to the 31-year-old over the next four years. In addition, his contract contains a $20 million vesting option for his age-35 season.
However, Hamels' durability may make him worth such a hefty price tag. 2014 marked the fifth-straight season that Hamels has eclipsed 200 innings pitched, and his 2.46 ERA and 3.07 FIP was even more impressive considering the shape the rest of the Phillies were in for the majority of the campaign.
The trade costs might be extremely high (with a marquee package of prospects likely to be the key), but the option is still out there if GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office want to pursue it.
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