Cole Hamels is likely moving in a trade this year at the deadline for the Phillies and teams like the LA Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees are considered the top landing spots for the pitcher and this comes as players like Johnny Cueto, Tyson Ross, David Price and Mike Leake are also available in trades.
Hamels has been on the trade market all season and the Phillies have been getting calls about the pitcher since last year. According to ESPN.com, Jayson Stark reports that there are a number of teams interested in dealing for Hamels, but the "most likely outcomes" include the Dodgers, Red Sox and Texas Rangers along with the Chicago Cubs. The Yankees are in the mix, but the team likely will not be giving up the prospects that Philadelphia wants, according to Stark.
Stark writes that the "Hamels hunt" is getting "near the finish line" with just over a week to go until the trading deadline for the Phillies. Stark has reported that the Red Sox are one of the favorites depending on how they play over the next week and he also reports that the Dodgers "seem like Hamels favorites." There are "rental" pitchers on the market like Price and Cueto and those players could be better options for teams over Hamels.
Some teams do not want to give up major prospects and they also may not want to take on the contract of Hamels, which has around $80 million left on it. Hamels has pitched well dating back to last season, but he has scuffled lately and that could be an issue for some of the teams looking to make a deal. The Texas Rangers are looking for another front line pitcher, as are the Cubs, Red Sox and Dodgers. The Dodgers may need help if Brett Anderson is seriously injured and the Red Sox have had subpar pitching all season.
Hamels has a guaranteed $73.5 million on his contract and it also has an option that could vest and a team like the Dodgers has the money to spend, while the Red Sox also can live with an expensive deal. 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. The Dodgers reportedly will not give up top prospect Corey Seager in any deals.
The Phillies reportedly are asking for a lot and with baseball's business changing a bit over the past few years, some teams may not be willing to give up too many major prospects. The Phillies want impact players for Hamels, but with names like Cueto and Price also on the market, they may not find the deals they want. Hamels has a 5-7 record this season and a 3.91 ERA with 124 strikeouts in 119 innings of work. The Phillies also have Jonathan Papelbon and could trade him, but Jerry Crasnick reports that the team has "no traction" on a deal right now.
Check here for more on the Cole Hamels trade options from ESPN.