Texas Rangers Acquire Philadelphia Phillies’ Cole Hamels

Mandatory Photo Credit: JASON O. WATSON/GETTY IMAGES

Mandatory Photo Credit: JASON O. WATSON/GETTY IMAGES

The Texas Rangers have acquired pitcher Cole Hamels from the Philadelphia Phillies, according to MLB.com’s TR Sullivan. Reportedly as of now, the Rangers also acquired Jake Diekman and cash, while the Phillies have acquired Matt Harrison, outfielder Nick Williams, pitcher Alec Asher, pitcher Jerad Eickhoff, and catcher Jorge Alfaro.

Trade rumors have circulated around Hamels and the Phillies organization of late. The acquisition of Hamels is immense due to the quality of a pitcher the Rangers are receiving. Hamels is owed $23.5 million through the 2015 season, then owed $70.5 million through 2018; in addition, Hamels’ current contract includes a 2020 team option worth $20 million.

In Hamels’ contract there is a no-trade clause. Texas was a location in which Hamels could not waive his no-trade clause, thus providing an easier transaction for the Phillies.

For those unaware of the magnitude of the trade, this trade is the definition of a blockbuster deal. The Phillies have acquired six players, while the Rangers have acquired two. FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi specified the transaction.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees were several teams in on the mix with Hamels. The Phillies repeatedly asked the Yankees organization in regards to their top prospects, but general manager Brian Cashman was not intending to budge on the Yankees top four prospects.

Hamels’ last start came against the Chicago Cubs, throwing a no-hitter. Thus far through the 2015 season, Hamels owns a 3.64 ERA with a 1.181 WHIP in 128.2 innings. Through his career, all with the Phillies, Hamels owns a 3.30 ERA with a 1.145 WHIP in 1,930 innings.

As the top tier starting pitchers on the market are diminishing, one can assume that Detroit Tigers’ David Price‘s stock is trending upward. Although capable of becoming a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, Price could aid a team for their playoff push, or even further.

The acquisation of Hamels to the Rangers could prove to be crucial. The Rangers currently sit with a 47-52 record and 8.0 games behind the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros. Although, the Rangers currently sit 4.5 games behind the second wild card spot in the American League.