Editorials

Dodgers Rumors: Seager Or Pederson Wanted In Trade For Hamels

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

With the Los Angeles Dodgers now believed to be in the hunt for free agent Jon Lester, they have also been linked to Cole Hamels, whom they would need to acquire via a trade.

The Philadelphia Phillies were said to be doing their homework on Dodger prospects and according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, sources said a trade for Hamels would cost the Dodgers either Corey Seager or Joc Pederson:



The Phillies would want one of the Dodgers’ top position prospects, shortstop Corey Seager or outfielder Joc Pederson, in any Hamels deal, according to major-league sources.

If reports prior to last season’s trade deadline are correct, the Dodgers were told a similar message when they called the Phillies to inquire on the left-hander. While Ned Colletti was the general manager at the time, there’s been little reason to believe the new regime would be willing to part ways with Seager, Pederson and for that matter, Julio Urias.

Aside from the talent the Phillies are reported as seeking in exchange for Hamels, the soon-to-be 31 year old certainly comes with a significant financial commitment — though if you asked Phillies’ GM Ruben Amaro Jr., he’d likely argue it’s warranted as he believes Hamels is among the group of elite pitchers.

Hamels is guarnateed $96 million through the 2018 season and his contract includes a $20 million team option for 2019 that vests at $24 million should he pitch a combined 400 innings in 2017-2018 (with 200 innings coming in 2018) and avoid the disabled list with a shoulder or elbow injury at the end of 2018.

While trading for or signing Lester comes at a significant cost for a team believed to be interested in lowering payroll, the Dodgers may be in a position that requires them to invest in a starting pitcher.

Zack Greinke, who has given the Dodgers’ their one-two punch at the front end of the staff over the last two seasons, can opt out of his contract after the 2015 season. Adding Hamels, Lester, or another pitcher of their caliber to the staff would further solidify the Dodgers’ rotation even if just for one season.

The Dodgers previously balked at the Phillies’ asking price, but they may give trading for Hamels more thought if they’re to lose out on Lester.

Staff Writer

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19 Comments

  1. I don’t blame the Phillies for asking but there’s NO way we can trade either of those 2 can’t miss prospects. We would be much smarter to go after a type A free agent and lose a draft pick(which we have an extra of from Boston since Hanley signed).

    1. ideally, we go after lester, who isn’t tied to a draft pick: that way we don’t give up prospects or a pick, while getting an amazing pitcher. We can certainly afford him so it’s just a question if they’ll pull the trigger

    2. If we did get a draft pick compensation from the Red Sox, it wouldn’t be a 1st rounder because their 1st round pick is protected.

  2. We could give them Pederson in a trade, not ever never Seager. Pederson struggled some what (mainly with Ks ) ! Seager hasn’t yet ! The jury is still out on all prospects until you see if they can produce in the bigs !

  3. LA has like 7 MLB-ready outfielders. Time to trade some of that stockpile away, even if they are a top prospect. Hamels is no slouch.

    1. yeah Hamels is great, and giving up pederson wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but doesnt it make more sense to sign lester, keep the prospects and the pick?

    2. Exactly. The Dodgers are built to win it all now. Hamels (and Rollins) could go a long way towards that.

  4. I don’t think asking for Seager or Pederson is ridiculous.
    My trade proposal:
    Phillies send:
    Hamels
    Rollins
    Dodgers send:
    Pederson
    Urias (or Zach Lee)
    PTBNL

    1. I would definately rather include Lee in that deal than Urias- guy’s a stud. Maybe we offer to take on ever more salary in Carlos Ruiz and get ourselves a SP, SS, and C in one trade

      1. The Dodgers don’t want to take on money. If they did why not back up the Brinks truck for Lester and keep all your prospects? The Phillies aren’t going to take second tier prospects for their best player. Why would they? They don’t have to trade him. He’s one of the better contracts Amaro has handed out.

      1. Rollins is old but productive. Hamels is coming off one of his best seasons. Do you want to trade some unproven prospects for a legit shot at the World Series you paid all that money for? Rollins and Hamels have been there. They can be the difference for the Dodgers.

        Is that worth Pederson or Seager? Is that worth guys that still might not pan out or ever truly be elite?

      1. Seager’s a shortstop. Dodgers need a shortstop after Hanley left. Guerrero’s a shortstop naturally and an up-and-comer. So why not?

        1. The Philies aren’t going to give Hamels away for less than a top offer with top prospects.

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