After Cole Hamels Trade, Revamped Texas Rangers Can Contend In 2016

Even though they are third in their division and behind three teams for the second wild card spot, the Texas Rangers were aggressive at the trade deadline.

After Cole Hamels Trade, Revamped Texas Rangers Can Contend In 2016 In a shocking move late Wednesday night, ESPN reported that Hamels had been traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for six players.

When the dust cleared and the deal was finalized, the Rangers received Hamels as well as relief pitcher Jake Diekman and cash considerations, in exchange for veteran pitcher Matt Harrison and prospects Jorge Alfaro (catcher), Nick Williams (outfielder), Jake Thompson (pitcher), Alec Asher (pitcher) and Jared Eickhoff (pitcher).

As good as Hamels is and as dominant as he might be for the rest of this season, he will tremendously help a Rangers club that has a legitimate chance to contend as soon as 2016.

The Rangers did not have to send top prospect Joey Gallo to Philly in the trade, they were able to keep their young pitchers that are already in the show, and they got the Phillies to pay a big chunk of Hamels’ salary.

Hamels is under contract for three more seasons, and after taking into consideration all the money that the Phillies included in the trade, the Rangers will pay about $36 million for the three years.

Hamels at $12 million per season is an incredible bargain, and one that the Rangers should be able to enjoy down the road.

Elvis Andrus, who is currently in the first year of the eight-year, $118 million contract he signed last year, has really taken a step back from the promise he showed to earn himself that big salary, but maybe with an improved team around him he will be able to shine.