Phillies: 5 free agent starting pitchers they could sign

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 31: Chicago Cubs Starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) looks on during a MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs on August 31,2018 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia,PA.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 13: Cole Hamels #35 of the Philadelphia Phillies on the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on May 13, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Cole Hamels

Signing Cole Hamels makes a good deal of sense when considering the way the Phillies roster is built. With so much young talent around the diamond, bringing back a Phillies legend and veteran presence may calm the storm surrounding the rotation. And not only that, Hamels has been productive in his post-Phillies career.

After a few seasons down in Texas that included a 2016 campaign in which Hamels went 15-5 with a sub 3.5 ERA, Hamels was moved at the trade deadline in 2018 to the Cubs in exchange for a couple of minor leaguers, helping the Cubs to another postseason appearance.

Philadelphia Phillies /

Philadelphia Phillies

His 2019 season with Chicago ended with a record of 7-7 with a sub-4 ERA showing that his stuff still plays. The oldest free agent on this list at 36, Hamels has yet to face a steep velocity drop-off or a diminishing of effectiveness with this off-speed offerings, so his price tag won’t be for nothing.

However, age catches up to everyone, and the best the Phillies can hope for is a few more solid years out of him, a serious aspect to consider when trying to build a roster that can win for more than just one season. Hamels may have to accept less to come back to Philadelphia, and a move like this certainly wouldn’t hurt the Phils attendance levels. T

he 2008 season seems like forever ago, but Hamels could be a piece that helps get the Phillies back in contention.

The arms race that is MLB free agency played in the Phillies favor last year, and it could again give the organization finds the right manager and hits on the right guys. It’s a lot to ask of the front office, but by fitting the right pieces into an already strong roster, the Phillies are quickly going to be back in the race for another playoff run.