Phillies extend Cole Hamels

The Phillies announced that they signed pitcher Cole Hamels to a six-year contract extension worth at least $144 million. The contract includes limited no trade protection and an option for the 7th year.

Hamels' extension will be the second-largest contract ever for a pitcher, behind CC Sabathia's seven year, $161 million deal with the Yankees a few years ago. The 2019 option is either a club option or a vesting option at $24 million. The option will vest if three conditions are met: Hamels is not on the disabled list with a left shoulder or elbow injury at the end of the 2018 season, if he pitches 200 innings in 2018, or if he pitches 400 innings in 2017-2018 combined.

Hamels, 28, has a 3.23 ERA in 133 2/3 innings pitched for the Phillies this year. This contract will cover his age 29-34 seasons.

The Phillies now have three starters earning $20 million per season: Hamels, Lee and Halladay.

Analysis: Finally the Cole Hamels contract saga is over. I feel like the Phillies made a mistake here, but that's basically because I dislike the Phillies. Hamels is a great pitcher don't get me wrong, but he will be earning $20+ million when he is way out of his prime. For a team that is on the verge of rebuilding, I don't know if that is a good move.