The San Diego Padres’ pursuit of James Shields apparently coincided with a quest to land Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels.
The Padres made an “aggressive offer” for Hamels before reportedly signing Shields to a four-year, $75 million contract, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. However, a source told Rosenthal last month that the Padres might “not have enough” in the Phillies’ view to pry away Hamels.
Philadelphia’s preference, another source told Rosenthal, is to trade with the Boston Red Sox. The Phillies reportedly are adamant about receiving one blue-chip prospect, and they’re believed to be high on Red Sox prospects Mookie Betts and Blake Swihart.
Hamels (31) is younger than Shields (33). He’s also the better pitcher. Philadelphia’s asking price apparently was too much for San Diego, though. Rosenthal notes it’s not known exactly how the Phillies rate the Padres’ top three prospects (right-hander Matt Wisler, catcher Austin Hedges and outfielder Hunter Renfroe).
The Red Sox have been tossed around in Hamels-related speculation for a while. The chatter has continued despite Boston adding Rick Porcello, Wade Miley and Justin Masterson this offseason, as there’s a widespread belief that the Red Sox need to add an “ace” in the wake of losing Jon Lester. Rosenthal suggests the Red Sox have not offered Betts and/or Swihart in any trade for Hamels.
Hamels has four years and $96 million remaining on his contract with Philadelphia. The Phillies are asking for a lot in exchange for the three-time All-Star — major financial commitment plus relinquishing prospects — so it’s clearly a complicated situation in the City of Brotherly Love.
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