Cole Hamels isn’t going anywhere.
The Phillies ace — one of the few bright spots of a disappointing 2012 season — has signed a six-year $140 million contract extension to stay in Philly for the foreseeable future.
Hamels was set to become a free agent at the end of this season, which led to speculation that the Phillies would pull off an “indecent proposal”: trade him to a contender, then hope to get him back in the offseason.
Now, Hamels must hope the Phillies have a miraculous second-half comeback if he wants to pitch in the World Series this year.
More tidbits from CBS Sports, who initially reported the deal:
Hamels’ deal beats Johan Santana’s $137.5-million six-year Mets deal, making it the second highest ever give a pitcher. CC Sabathia’s $161-million, seven-year Yankees deal is the record.
Hamel’s new contract gives him the same annual salary as his teammate and friend Cliff Lee, who has a $120-million, five-year deal.
The deal was struck late Tuesday night, and a press conference is expected Wednesday to announced Hamels will remain in Philly through the 2018 season.
Neither the team nor Hamels has officially released the amount of pink cocktails Hamels will be able to afford with the deal.
