Cole Hamels is a top trade target at the deadline for the Philadelphia Phillies and he showed his value Saturday, throwing a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and this comes as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers reportedly interested in a Hamels deal.
Hamels had been struggling in July heading into the trade deadline and some in the media wondered if his value would take a hit for the Phillies. If there was any doubt about what Hamels could do he shed that on Saturday, striking out 13 batters and walking two while throwing his first career no hitter. The final play was a wild one, as Kris Bryant hit a deep fly ball that was tracked down by Odubel Herrera, who overplayed it and was able to dive back to catch the ball.
UPDATE: JOHNNY CUETO IS REPORTEDLY GOING TO THE ROYALS IN A TRADE, per ESPN
Hamels has been one of the top names on the trade market this season along with players like Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, David Price and Justin Upton. Hamels is not a rental player, as he has years left on his contract and the Phillies have been asking a high price for the pitcher. According to Jayson Stark at ESPN.com, one scout said this game would be the most important start for the Ruben Amaro Jr. regime, as the Phillies have been waiting to trade Hamels for multiple years now.
The Phillies have been rebuilding and what they get for Hamels could put the tea on track to contend in the near future. Hamels came into the start with a 3.91 ERA and that has ticked up over the past month with Hamels dealing with some struggles. Hamels had one of the best stretches of his career last season and he lowered his ERA to 3.64 with the no-hitter and has 137 strikeouts in 128 innings. This could be his final start for the Phillies if he is traded.
According to Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports the Yankees have "contacted" the Phillies about Hamels, while the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox have also shown interest. The Cubs want to add another starter to pair with Jon Lester, while the LA Dodgers are also an option, as they have a need past Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. Greinke also could opt out of his contract this summer and that could push the team to add Hamels.
The Yankees reportedly are not willing to give up top prospects Aaron Judge or Luis Severino in any deal, but they could be an option for Hamels. The Phillies have long been asking for top prospects in deals for Hamels and teams have not been willing to meet that price. The Rangers reportedly are an option for Hamels, but the team is also considering selling with Yovani Gallardo a target for teams.
Check here for more on Cole Hamels and his potential trade and the no-hitter.