MLB PLAYER NEWS

Phillies’ Hamels ready for trade to contender

The Sports Xchange

February 18, 2015 at 2:56 pm.

Cole Hamels could be in another uniform sometime this season. Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

With the Philadelphia Phillies clearly in rebuilding mode this year, ace left-hander Cole Hamels apparently can’t wait to be traded.

The Phillies, who this offseason have traded Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd, also have been shopping Hamels.

Hamels, 31, is entering the third year of a six-year, $144 million contract and is ready to move on to a contender.

“The reason the Phillies committed a huge contract to me wasn’t just to pitch in the regular season, but the postseason too,” Hamels said. “That’s why they paid me that kind of money. They planned on being in the playoffs every year, or at least contending.

“I want that too. I want to be in the playoffs every year. That’s where you make a name for yourself. It’s not about the Cy Young awards and MVP awards. It’s about winning championships. You want to be in a place where you have a chance to win.”

The Phillies reportedly have discussed potential deals with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox, among others.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was checking the Internet to see the latest,” he said. “I wanted to see where I was going to spend my next four years. Now that I’m here, I plan on being here for the next six weeks. I think it would be pretty chaotic if that’s not the case. But it’s out of my control.

“All I can do is get ready this spring, be ready for opening day, and be prepared for the long season.”