Cole Hamels Going to Texas Rangers Means David Price Just Became More Valuable

At the start of trade deadline madness, three top level pitchers were thought to be the most likely to be traded given their situations: Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels, and David Price. Scott Kazmir was also a target for those not wanting to pay those prices, and Houston jumped first to get the lefty before the market got going. Others, like Tyson Ross of San Diego, are out there as the consolation for teams not wanting to go for those three (the Padres would sell anyone, including James Shields and Andrew Cashner, but Ross has the best contract situation).

Cueto is a free agent after this season, and already went to the Royals. Hamels was toiling for the bottom-feeding Phillies–who had to be in rebuilding and shedding mode–and he just went to the Rangers late last night. That leaves Price, where the only uncertainty was whether the Detroit Tigers would admit that they probably needed to be sellers at the deadline given their minor league and future contract situations. Yesterday, Jayson Stark reported that the Tigers were willing to listen to offers on Price and others.

The Hamels trade was an interesting one for several reasons. First, the Rangers are 48-52, and the fact that they are buyers at the deadline shows just how balanced (mediocre?) the race for the 2nd wildcard is. Five other teams sit between the Rangers and the Minnesota Twins, within 4 games of that spot. But that’s just to get a chance at one game to advance.

Just as intriguing is that Hamels went to the Rangers on a more long term move. His contract situation (signed through 2018) and the size of his contract (nearly $23 million per year) were prohibitive for a lot of teams, and the Dodgers seemed like one of the few that could go there. The Rangers gave up a lot of prospects, while getting money back in the deal to cover the Hamels’ contract. We don’t know how much yet, but that move means that the Dodgers are still buyers elsewhere.

So, Detroit likely had things work out in their favor when it comes to suitors for Price. The Dodgers are still the most likely landing spot, and a threesome of Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, and Price would be incredible. Other teams with large payrolls in playoff contention have yet to make a move (Angels, Yankees). With those others still lurking out there, even if the Dodgers look like the favorite, the Detroit Tigers should be able to get a good package of players. If they can get what the Phillies just got for moving Hamels, in Matt Harrison and multiple top 100 prospects like P Jake Thompson, OF Nick Williams, and C Jorge Alfaro, then Tigers fans should be happy with the decision not to chase a final wildcard spot along with everyone else in the American League.