The Texas Rangers are set to trade for Cole Hamels from the Philadelphia Phillies, according to reports from various media outlets and this comes after teams like the Dodgers, Yankees and Astros had interest in Hamels leading into the MLB trading deadline.
Hamels has been speculated to be moved at the deadline by the Phillies and now it appears that the Rangers have made the deal. The Rangers and Dodgers reportedly were the favorites for Hamels, but LA just added Mat Latos and may now go after David Price. According to Todd Zolecki the Phillies beat writer for MLB.com, sources report that a Hamels "deal with Texas is near." He also added that Hamels cannot veto a trade from that team with his no trade clause.
UPDATE: "Todd Zolecki @ToddZolecki: Cole Hamels deal with Texas is near. Remember: Hamels cannot block a trade there." "Jeff Wilson @JeffWilson_FWST: Source confirms @Sullivan_Ranger item that #Rangers optimistic deal for Cole Hamels will get done."
More: Bob Nightengale @BNightengale 1m1 minute agoCole Hamels was thrilled earlier about potentially going to #Rangers. His wife has relatives living in Dallas area. Also, no state taxes."
"Todd Zolecki @ToddZolecki:Quick summary so far: Hamels, Diekman and cash to TEX. Prospects Williams, Alfaro, Eickhoff and Asher and Matt Harrison to Phillies."
--Story is updated above.
The Cole Hamels trade talk is heating up with the deadline coming this week and teams like the
Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, NY Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants all have had reported interest in the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher.
The Phillies are expected to trade Hamels at the deadline as they continue their rebuilding process and Hamels kept his trade value up with a no-hitter over the weekend. According to Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers are the "favorites" for Hamels, as they match up with prospects best with the Phillies. Jerry Crasnick at ESPN reports that the Diamondbacks have also "reached out" about Hamels.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported on Monday that "momentum is building" for a Hamels trade and that teams have "improved" their trade proposals for the pitcher. Hamels just threw a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs and with Johnny Cueto off the market along with Scott Kazmir, teams could be more willing to pony up a top prospect. Cueto was traded to the Kansas City Royals by the Reds and the main piece in that deal was first round pick from 2014 Brandon Finnegan. Cueto is off the market and that could push things for the Phillies, especially if someone like David Price or Mike Leake goes next.
Hamels is not a rental like Price or Cueto, as those players are headed into free agency, while the Phillies pitcher has a contract through 2018. Hamels has an option for the 2019 season and he also has a no-trade clause that has 20 teams on it, including the Diamondbacks. The Astros were interested in Hamels before trading for Scott Kazmir, but Houston is also on the trade list.
Crasnick reported late on Monday that the Astros "remain in the thick" of the chase for Hamels and the team is "making a big push" for the pitcher. The Rangers are considered in the lead for Hamels, but Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reports that "no deal is close" as of Monday night. Hamels would be a long term acquisition for the Rangers, as they are on the cusp of contention this season.
Hamels has gone 6-7 this season and after striking out 13 in his no-hitter, the pitcher has 137 K's in 128 innings of work. Hamels is still young and while it may take a nice package of players to get him, he could be worth the money, as Hamels has never had a serious injury and has made at least 30 starts every season since 2008.