Toronto Blue Jays Rumors: Cole Hamels Isn't Ruling Out Toronto

Toronto Blue Jays Rumors: Cole Hamels Isn’t Ruling Out Toronto

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The Toronto Blue Jays have been in fine form of late, going 17-7 in the month of June. However, this doesn’t change the fact they still need help in their starting rotation.

Along those lines, the Blue Jays could do a lot worse than look at Cole Hamels. According to Jim Salisbury of csnphilly.com, the 2008 World Series MVP is open to all potential trade partners, including Toronto.

Alex Anthopoulos has been interested in Hamels for some time. In fact, this was confirmed back in April by Philadelphia Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.

At the time, Amaro told Bob Nightengale of USA Today: “I guarantee I’ll get more grey hairs from my daughter driving than any trade talks with Mozeliak, Anthopoulos and Cherington.”

Aug 7, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays senior vice president of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos talks to the media before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. The Baltimore Orioles won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, it appeared that Anthopoulos was wasting his time. In May, a report came out that Hamels apparently said he would not waive his no-trade clause to join the Blue Jays.

Interestingly, it now seems this was never the case, as per Salisbury’s conversation with the three-time All-Star. In fact, it makes Hamels laugh to hear claims he has blocked any potential deals.

As he told Salisbury: “I haven’t been approached. People are looking at it like I’m holding the dice, but I’m not. Ruben and Pat are.

“When I’m approached, then I can make a decision and provide an answer about a team. But I’m open-minded on everybody and everything.”

The 31-year old was then asked straight-out if this included Toronto: “Yes. I’ve always been open-minded. I will think about everything.”

Of course, this doesn’t guarantee anything, but at least it gives Anthopoulos the green light to approach the Phillies again. There is no denying Hamels would be an excellent boost to the Blue Jays rotation.

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Just last year, he had a career-low 2.46 ERA. On top of this, the San Diego native is an innings-eater, a la R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle.

He has pitched in excess of 200 innings in six of the seven previous campaigns. With 99.1 innings so far this season, the 2008 NLCA MVP is well on his way to yet again achieving this feat.

Despite just having a 5-6 record in 2015, Hamels is having another productive season. In 15 starts, he has an ERA of 3.26, 106 strikeouts and a 1.17 WHIP.

One of the biggest road-blocks to any potential trade could be the financial implications. The 2002 first round draft pick is owed $96 million through 2018, as well as a $20 million option in 2019.

However, some help may come from the Phillies themselves. Amaro has previously advised he is not afraid to subsidize contracts.

One other aspect to consider is what Philadelphia will demand in return for their left-hander. With the GM reportedly looking for top prospects, the asking price may be considered too high.

Ultimately, the Blue Jays will have to decide if Hamels is worth it. Considering this is the final season of Anthopoulos’ three-year window to challenge for the World Series, they may have no choice but to take the risk.

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