The Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers are engaged in an “ongoing dialogue” about a potential trade for pitcher Cole Hamels, according to FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi.
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However, the fact that the Phillies have reportedly entered talks is telling that a trade could happen prior to the deadline. He also is interested in going to the Yankees, in addition to the five teams mentioned above. Hamels is owed $23.5 million this season and will make $70.5 million through 2018. Its been said for some time that the Rangers have been checking in on Hamels, who they reportedly had planned on targeting as a free agent before he signed his extension with the Phillies.
Despite the significant cost and commitment, the Yankees aren’t ruling out a run at Hamels, according to a source. Hamels is a legit top of the rotation starter who is under contract for $87.5M from 2016-19 (assuming his club option is exercised). One name that has been linked to the Yankees recently is Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels.
There is the lesson about being pragmatic when it comes to how many and which of your iconic players you choose to make “lifers”. No deal got done in the offseason, and in March, our Ian Casselberry surmised that Texas would not be trading for Hamels just before Yu Darvish underwent Tommy John surgery to end his 2015 season before it even started.
For the Yankees, a lot hinge on how they are dealing with Johnny Cueto. Hamels, 31, is 5-5 with a 2.96 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 103 strikeouts in 94 innings this season (14 starts).
Meanwhile in Texas, there are more direct reports linking the Rangers to Hamels.
After what the Yankees have been seeing lately from their own rotation, Hamels may look irresistible this afternoon.
He’s never beaten the Yankees in his nine-year career with the Phillies and his last start in Yankees Stadium was one he’d likely rather forget. He was the Most Valuable Player in both the National League Championship Series and the World Series back in 2008, so the glare of the New York spotlight will not bother him.
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New York’s second in the majors with 326 runs scored, ninth in getting on base at.323, and fourth in slugging at.429, and are in contention for the best record in the AL.
