July 30--Cole Hamels gave fans in Philadelphia one final show Saturday, throwing a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs.
Now, after spending all 10 years of his major league career in a Phillies uniform, Hamels is about to become a member of the Texas Rangers.
Multiple media outlets are reporting that Hamels and left-handed pitcher Jake Diekman, along with some cash, are being traded to the Rangers for five prospects -- outfielder Nick Williams, catcher Jorge Alfaro and right-handers Jake Thompson, Jerad Eickhoff and Alec Asher.
Hamels did not comment to reporters Wednesday after the Phillies' 8-2 loss to Toronto.
The trade signifies an end of an era for the Phillies, who drafted Hamels 17th overall in 2002 and won a championship in 2008 largely because of his arm. Hamels was the MVP of the National League championship series and World Series that year.
A three-time All-Star, Hamels helped the Phillies win five straight NL East titles and two pennants between 2007-11. But the team has fallen on hard times since that run, including a league-worst record of 38-64 this season.
Hamels has three years remaining on a six-year, $144-million contract that includes a club option for 2019. The Dodgers were thought to be one of several teams interested in acquiring his services.
The Rangers are in third place in the American League West, eight games behind first-place Houston. They are in eighth place in the wild card race, but only four games behind the first-place Angels.
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