Cole Hamels is coming in as one of the top trade targets this year at the deadline along with Scott Kazmir, Johnny Cueto and Jordan Zimmermann and teams like the Boston Red Sox, NY Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, LA Dodgers, Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays could be potential options for the Philadelphia Phillies if they trade the pitcher.
Hamels is expected to be traded this season at the deadline and he comes in pitching well and it comes after he had a strong second half finish to last season. Hardball Talk reports that the Boston Red Sox and Yankees inquired about Hamels during the offseason and Jon Heyman at CBS Sports writes that the Red Sox "remain the favorites" for a deal. The Red Sox pitching has been a mess and they could use a frontline starter to help stabilize things.
According to ESPN.com, the Phillies would be willing to pay some money in the deal and that could help sweeten the pot when it comes to getting prospects. The Red Sox rotation has struggle mightily this season and paying money could help the team get players Boston isn't looking to give up. The team likely will not deal Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart, but they have a deep system to use in a deal. Other teams include the surprising Houston Astros, as they are leading the AL West and need some pitching.
The Cardinals lost Adam Wainwright to an injury and could look at getting another ace, while the Dodgers also could be an option, according to USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale. The Yankees have dealt with pitching injuries even though Masahiro Tanaka just came back, while the Blue Jays have also been hit, but so far Hamels won't waive his no trade for Toronto, according to Heyman. The Phillies are looking for strong minor league prospects in any deal for Hamels and this season Ruben Amaro could also look at trading Ryan Howard, Chase Headley or Jonathan Papelbon.
Hamels has continued to pitch well, putting up a sub 2.00 ERA in his last four starts and this season he is 5-4 with a 2.88 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 81 innings of work. Hamels has a contract $90 million over the next four seasons and that makes some teams wary, but it also could be for an extra year at $105 million depending on where he is traded, as the next year option could vest.
Hamels comes in after having a very strong season in 2014 and he has not had any major injury issues in his career. Hamels had made at least 30 starts in every season apart from his first two years in the majors and he went 9-9 last season with a 2.46 ERA and 198 strikeouts in just over 200 innings. Hamels will be the top trade target at the deadline and teams with injuries likely will be first in line to start talking to Philly.