It is a well known fact that Cole Hamels is by far the Phillies most valuable asset when it comes to potential trades. That idea could take a sizeable hit if the rumors between the Cubs and Nationals become reality. Chicago has the deepest farm system out there when it comes to suitors for Hamels, but the Cubs have reportedly engaged in talks to acquire Jordan Zimmerman from the Nationals, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
Zimmermann, 28, would be a younger, potentially less-expensive alternative to the higher-end free agents on the market this off-season, though the player package to acquire him would have to include at least one of their touted young middle infielders, sources say.
One source said the teams have enough mutual interest that names have been discussed. Another said he expected the Cubs to complete the deal – along with Cardinals free agent Justin Masterson, who blamed minor injuries for season-long struggles in 2014 after a 2013 All-Star season.
The obvious draw for Jordan Zimmerman over Hamels is the price tag. Right now, Zimmerman is under contract for just 2015, earning $16.5 million over that time. He will become a free agent after the season. That being said, with the Cubs looking to solidify something for the future, signing Zimmerman to an extension would be a likely must if the trade were to go through. Hamels is owed a minimum of $96 million over the remainder of his four-year contract, which could actually be somewhat of a bargain compared to the deal Zimmerman could get in free agency. He has put up numbers that could command a deal upwards of $100+ million.
Zimmerman, 28, is 57-40 with a 3.24 ERA over 145 starts, spanning 892.1 innings. in 2014 for the Nationals, the southpaw out of Wisconsin-Stevens Point tosses 199.2 innings to the tune of a 2.66 ERA including three complete games and two shutouts, one being a no-hitter.
If the Cubs go ahead with the deal to bring Zimmerman to Chicago, they would likely have to return less prospects to Washington than they would in a deal involving Cole Hamels. The Nationals need infield help and could use the services of Starlin Castro, while the Phillies would likely covet a Kris Bryant level prospect. Bryant hit .325 with 43 homers between Double-A and Triple-A in 2014. Even in a Hamels deal, the thought of the Cubs parting with Bryant seems unlikely.
The Cubs, who likely will need assurances they can extend Zimmermann to finalize a deal, initiated the talks, according to a source, recognizing the Nationals’ need for the kind of middle-infield help – second base, in particular — that is an organizational strength for the Cubs.
The Phillies and the Nationals are both discussing potential deals with the Cubs and right now it seems Washington has more traction to their trade.
[Report: Cubs in talks to aquire Nationals' Jordan Zimmerman]Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
