Hamels getting $144 million!!

[love_that_reefer]

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Phillies and Cole Hamels have agreed to a six-year, $144 million extension.
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reported early Wednesday morning that a deal was close while ESPN's Buster Olney was the first to report that an agreement was reached. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the contract will also include a vesting option for a seventh year that could make the contract worth more than $160 million. This is the richest contract in Phillies history and the second-richest contract ever given to a pitcher, trailing only the seven-year, $161 million contract the Yankees gave to CC Sabathia prior to the 2009 season. The Phillies knew they would have to pay a premium to keep Hamels from testing free agency and they did it.

Wow! $24 million a season is just insane!! That is one expensive rotation!!

[Tobywan]

They may free some of it up if they can unload Lee. Good deal for Hamels, let's hope it doesn't bite them on the ass.

[Kingdom]

Barring injury, he's a good investment and is great in the postseason. Considering how old that team is, they might want to consider reloading if they can. This team spends and makes no hesitation to pull off big deals. Regroup around Hamels and Pence maybe.

[Trendy Bastard]

I can see Lee being dealt in the offseason.

Next offseason just became much less interesting.