Report: Cole Hamels' Agent Is Asking For Seven Year Deal From Phillies
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – As the Phillies continue to struggle, and Cole Hamels continues to dominate, the story of his contract negotiations and impending free agency is sure to become more complicated.
94WIP's Howard Eskin is reporting that Hamels' agent John Boggs has told the Phillies that he wants a seven-year contract for the 28 year-old lefthander. CBS Sports Jon Heyman reported last month that Hamels could get $150-$175 million if he hit the free agent market. That number would likely only be achieved with a six or seven year deal.
The Phillies gave Cliff Lee a five-year deal before the 2011 season, Lee was 31 years old at the time and will be 35 when it expires. Roy Halladay will be 36 years-old when his contract comes to an end after next season.
This comes less than a week after general manager Ruben Amaro said that if things don't turn around for the Phillies this year, they could be "sellers" at the trade deadline. It also comes just days after rumors surfaced that the Toronto Blue Jays have inquired about the availability of Hamels in a trade. It also comes exactly a week after Hamels hit the Nationals Bryce Harper, admitted after the game that he did it on purpose, and was later suspended five games by MLB.
Hamels has been the Phillies best pitcher this year, with a record of 5-1 and an ERA of 2.28. He's struck out 49 batters in 47.1 winnings, and walked nine.
