Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak elected not to trade for franchise icon Cole Hamels last summer when the Texas Rangers shopped the former World Series MVP. Beyond the natural attachment that the Phillies fanbase has to Hamels, the 35-year-old has found a second life to his career with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 2.71 ERA in 29 starts since joining the Chicago Cubs last July. Objectively, Klentak – and a lot of other teams around the league – would probably like another chance at acquiring the four-time All-Star for a minimal return.
At least until this offseason, when Hamels is eligible to become a free-agent for the first time in his career, the Phillies won’t get another crack at a reunion with Hamels.