As we all just learned that Jason Frasor is moving to Kansas City, I have a trade that the Rangers should and could make. Cole Hamels from the Phillies would be a super addition to this team. A 1-2 punch of Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels would certainly rejuvenate this team and set the table for next year. Add in a healthy Derek Holland, and that would be a solid starting front line, with all this rookie talent to back us up for the 4 & 5 spots.
So what would it take to get him? I would suggest whatever trade value that the combination of Frasor, Cotts, and Soria bring would be close. What I am suggesting is that Daniels should acquire enough pieces from those 3-guys to acquire the guy the Rangers really need.
Cole Hamels is a true ace, just as Darvish is, he has $96 million left on his contract, and while that is expensive, I think the immediate lift that gives the team would be worth it to get back into contention. If the rookies continue to develop, and good health can be found, the Rangers can immediately turn this around for the 2015 season.
If you really want to take it up a notch, go get Giancarlo Stanton too, and playoffs will be almost guaranteed, with or without a Prince Fielder. Hanging on to Darvish, Holland, Joey Gallo, Rougned Odor, and Nick Martinez. Those five guys are what are needed to rebuild with, everyone else could be for sale. Although imagine a lineup that could include: Choo, Odor, Beltre, Gallo, Rios, Fielder, Stanton, Chirinos, Martin, and Profar. A starting rotation of Darvish, Hamels, Holland, Martinez, and a player to be named, with Tanner Scheppers, Robbie Ross, and Neftali Feliz in the pen with a host of others. I can almost see it from here!
