The Philadelphia Phillies are coming into the All-Star break as sellers and players like Jonathan Papelbon, Cole Hamels and Chase Utley could be trade targets for contenders and teams like the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, LA Dodgers and Kansas City Royals.
The Phillies are expected to trade Hamels this summer and Papelbon has also entered the trade conversation for teams in need of a closer. Papelbon was asked about the situation and he did not hide the fact that he is hoping to end up with a winning team this season. According to CSNPhilly.com, Papelbon said that he wants to "be with a contending ball club" and that he wants to "play for a contender" this season.
The tough thing about moving Papelbon is his contract, as he has a $13 million option for 2016 that will likely vest based on appearances. The Cubs reportedly could be a landing spot for Papelbon and he comes in with 14 saves, 1.65 ERA and 34 strikeout ratio in 33 innings this season. The Phillies reportedly are willing to pick up money in deals for Hamels and the same could go for Papelbon if it helps get a trade through.
The Blue Jays reportedly have talked with the Phillies about Papelbon and depending on how they are playing in late July could dictate whether Toronto is a buyer. CBS Sports reports that the Cubs are Papelbon's "first choice" and Ken Rosenthal reports that there has been a "heavy scouting presence" at Phillies games the closer.
Hamels is very likely getting traded, as his name has come up in trade rumors dating back to last season. Hamels has pitched well this season and has a 3.02 ERA in 17 games and he has 119 strikeouts in 113 innings pitched. Hamels was one of the best pitchers in baseball in the second half of last season and he is the top pitching target on the trade market along with Johnny Cueto.
Hamels is likely to be traded and teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Orioles, Royals and Astros all could be in the mix. Hamels reportedly will not agree to a deal with the Astros, but teams like the Royals and Yankees could be appealing. The Dodgers may want to add some more depth and they have the money to make a deal, but they may not want to give up prospects. The Yankees farm system is better than in past years, but Brian Cashman will not dry it out just to get Hamels, even with CC Sabathia struggling.
CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury, Utley could be an option to get moved if he can stay healthy once he comes back from the disabled list. Salisbury reports that the team could use Cesar Hernandez as the "everyday second baseman" when Utley returns, as he has been in that role with Utley out and has been hitting well. According to Hardball Talk, Hernandez is hitting over .400 since June 20 and has nine stolen bases for the Phillies. The report says that GM Ruben Amaro stated that Hernandez will "serve as the starter" when Utley returns.
Check here for more on Papelbon and the Phillies trade options.