The Philadelphia Phillies may look at a Cole Hamels trade this year along with Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jonathan Papelbon and with Hamels likely to get moved, teams like the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, NY Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres could be potential landing posts before the season or at the trade deadline.
The Phillies are in rebuilding mode and it's very likely that at least one of those players gets traded this season. Hamels has been mentioned in trade rumors all offseason and teams like the Red Sox and Padres have reportedly been the most interested. Hardball Talk reported last week that the Rangers were still talking to the Phillies about Hamels, but no deal was close to happening. The Rangers have been dealing with injuries, including to Yu Darvish, who is now out for the season.
Last season Hamels had one of his best years with a 2.46 ERA and 198 strikeouts in 204 innings pitched. Hamels was one of the best pitchers in baseball during the second half of the season and while he went just 9-9, he was effective all year. Hamels is just 31 years old and while he has four years and nearly $100 million left on his contract, it's a bargain compared to players like Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw.
The Red Sox have depth in the rotation, but they have consistently been in the mix with the Phillies about Hamels. Earlier in the offseason the Boston Herald reported that the Sox made a "serious offer" to the Phillies, but that package was rejected. The report said that it had too many major league players for the Phillies liking, as they are rebuilding and want prospects. The Red Sox have a deep farm system, but they are not looking to gut it for Hamels.
The Yankees are coming into the season with CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka coming back from injuries and if either one falters again, Hamels could be a target. While the team likely will not make a deal early on with the Phillies, once the trade deadline comes they could be interested in picking up someone like Hamels. According to Hardball Talk, the Yankees were active in talking to the Phillies about Hamels, but no deal was close to happening. The Yankees have added some solid talent to their farm system over the past two years and that could help if they try and go after Hamels this season.
The Cardinals and the Blue Jays have also had interest in Hamels, but not at the same level as other teams. The Red Sox and Yankees could be strong options once the season gets going, especially if either side deals with injuries or is close in the playoffs race. Reports also have the Phillies likely shopping Papelbon, Ryan Howard and Utley this season and they could be targets at the deadline as well.