PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — If the Phillies continue playing as they did prior to the All-Star break, it's safe to assume they'll want to make some responsible additions to their roster in the hopes of winning this year's underwhelming National League East.
So, how would adding 2008 World Series and NLCS MVP Cole Hamels sound?
According to Jon Heyman, of Audacy Sports and MLB Network, the Phillies expect to be among the teams in attendance at Cole Hamels' showcase on Friday in Frisco, Texas.
Hamels, 37, was a Phillie for parts of 10 seasons. He was their first-round pick in 2002 out of Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego.
"Hollywood Hamels" dazzled in Philadelphia, especially during the 2008 World Championship run.
After spending parts of four seasons with the Texas Rangers, and parts of two with the Chicago Cubs, Hamels signed on with the rival Atlanta Braves in 2020. Injuries kept his season, already shortened by the coronavirus pandemic, to just one start, 3.1 innings and three earned runs. He is currently a free agent.
According to Heyman, the first-place New York Mets will also be in attendance. Let's assume that no Phillies fan would like to imagine Hamels as a Met, whether he performs well or not.
The New York Post's Joel Sherman reported that the New York Yankees will be checking it out as well, but as a matter of typical "due diligence."
Hamels' last outing with the Phillies was his epic no-hitter at Wrigley Field on July 25, 2015. He was shortly thereafter traded to Texas.
And the only time he has pitched at Citizens Bank Park since leaving Philadelphia was in 2019 while playing for Chicago. It wasn't a good night for him, but Phillies fans -- four years after he was dealt to the Rangers -- gave him a standing ovation.
The Phillies certainly need to add pitching depth this month to help them in their playoff push. Maybe a Hamels reunion can help.
