Ruben Amaro Jr. acknowledges possibility of long-term contract extension to Cole Hamels-MLB Update
Putting Cole Hamels in Trade Market on Sunday, as sources suggested the Philadelphia Phillies’ General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. expresses the possibility of retaining him in the club, for years to come. Hamels will be a free agent after this season.
Based on his performance, one can fancy extravagant deals he can invite from various clubs on conclusion of the season.
By the time news about his trade surfaced, it was assumed that the Phillies will let him off for free agency. It was taken as a gesture which indicated that the club has given up on him and they will be turning to other options and rebuilding their rotation
for the future.
However, expression of keen interest in Hamels for having him in the organisation for a long time period by Amaro Jr. has put halt to speculations.
Earlier it was reported that point of contention between Hamels and the Phillies was the duration of the deal. While Hamels wants to secure a prolonged contract which can keep him in the club-house for seven years, the club is hesitant on this.
As General Manager talks of his retention, one can assume that both sides have managed to reach common ground now. However, information about real modalities of the contract remains to be seen.
On this, when it was inquired from GM, he adopted tight-lipped kind of attitude. He was trying to hide facts, while imperceptibly acknowledging that some progress has been made.
In order to keep unnecessary speculations from taking birth, Amaro Jr. stated that he will not be sharing anything more than what he deems fit.
“I do not ever discuss the information that is out there, nor those rumors or speculations,” He said. “This is the time of year where things will be out there. It is the nature of our sport and a product of the time of year.”
Meanwhile, he expressed club’s desire to keep Hamels in the following words.
“Our goal is the same as it has been from the beginning,” Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “To sign him and keep him long term in a Phillies uniform.”
Regardless of the deal, one thing is becoming increasingly certain that the Phillies will be among the hot-sellers in the season.
Therefore, next few weeks will characterise deliberations taking place in the management about possible players for trade and prospects to be inducted.
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