Now that Jon Lester has agreed to sign with the Chicago Cubs, the teams who lost out on Lester's services are scrambling to make alternate plans. One of those teams is the San Francisco Giants, who targeted Lester in recent days. They may have never really been in it. But, fresh off a World Series Championship, the Giants are still looking to add.
Jayson Stark of ESPN.com writes that Cole Hamels could be a target of the Giants:
Add the #SFGiants to the list of teams interested in Cole Hamels, sources say. So all 3 teams that lost out on Lester – SF, Bos, LA – are in
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 10, 2014
Besides losing out on Lester, the Giants have lost out on third baseman Pablo Sandoval and outfielder Yasmany Tomas
Do the Giants have what it takes to land Hamels? Some think no. Grant Brisbee of the McCovey Chronicles writes:
But you know who would unload their top prospects for Hamels? The Giants. Oh, I wouldn't think anyone is untouchable. That's the hidden beauty of a slumping farm. The Giants have no A prospects, which should make a deal impossible. If the other guys aren't budging, though, the Giants have a chance.
It's a tiny chance. When you get a chance to get a guy like this, though….you have to at least ask. Would you trade three or four of the Giants' top prospects for Hamels? I would.
No "A" prospects? No thanks.
With no real ability to meet the Phillies' needs, I would see a trade with the Giants unlikely. The Giants still have a good ballclub, but already are showing signs of the need to rebuild before it's too late. Thus, they probably are better served by signing a free agent, such as James Shields.
