Sources told the Dallas Morning News that the Rangers and AL West rival Houston Astros are the two teams who look to be the biggest possible landing spots for Hamels, which is great and all but it could mean something else – the Rangers could simply be bidding against Houston to drive up the price for the Astros and hopefully cripple their deep farm system for the coming years. They’ve also talked with the Phillies about Cole Hamels, although there’s been some feeling that Hamels would reject a trade to the Astros.
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The Astros have been talking with many clubs about starting pitching. The most likely options: Outfielder Nomar Mazara or catcher Jorge Alfaro, who is out for the year with an ankle issue but is still highly regarded. The Phillies aren’t short on suitors, though, as in addition to the Kansas City Royals and Cincinnati Reds, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros have also come up in rumors.
Houston has been one of the surprise successes in Major League Baseball this season.
Secondly, David Price has reportedly entered the trade market, making Hamels the third best arm on the market behind the Detroit Tigers’ ace and Johnny Cueto.
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Hamels is signed through 2018 at a cost of $23.5 million per year. Jon Heyman at CBS Sports reports that with the Dodgers possibly losing Zack Greinke in free agency this offseason with an opt out, the Dodgers could make a move on Hamels. Unlike Price and Cueto, he is still under contract past this season. The deal includes a $6 million buyout if the team option is not picked up. He is certainly going to be a long-term investment for any team that acquires him, which is why it has taken so long for the Philadelphia Phillies to make a deal. Each of those guys ranks in the top five for prospects the Royals have. The Yankees are in the mix, but the team likely will not be giving up the prospects that Philadelphia wants, according to Stark. But what will the front office in Kansas City be willing to trade?
