The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching and pitchers are in high demand. Currently sitting near the bottom of the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies are ready to help some teams out, intending to be sellers during the mid-season trading period. Beginning to set their focus towards next season, the Phillies have reportedly placed a good portion of their pitching roster on the trade block and teams are interested.
Cole Hamels has heard his name kicked in around in trade talks for the better part of a year, but the Philadelphia Phillies had yet to entertain any serious offers. However, the Boston Red Sox are hoping they are more open to deal this time around. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Red Sox are taking a lot of interest in Hamels especially due to the uncertainty surrounding Jon Lester. Boston and Lester are currently attempting to negotiate a new contract, something that is not going well right now.
Lester continues to tell the Red Sox that he has no plans of heading anywhere and would even be open to a hometown discount, but so far he has not followed through with that statement. With contract negotiations tabled for the time being, the Red Sox are looking into a pitcher to help with the rotation. Hamels has apparently been targeted.
AJ Burnett is having his name tossed around in trade talk. According to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish, Burnett can currently block trades to 21 teams in the league, but is open to a deal involving his return to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has placed them at the top of the nine teams he deems as acceptable assignments. At 37, Burnett has a 6-9 record with a 4.08 ERA in 21 starts for the Phillies this season. He has a player option in his contract for 2015, but might not see it if the Pirates are at all interested.
Closer Jonathan Papelbon is getting some attention and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that the Phillies could be interested in a deal. The only issue is that given Papelbon's age and sub-par season, there is not much of a solid return rate on him. The pitcher is certainly having a career resurgence with the Phillies, but it is still not a huge improvement.
On top of all this, ESPN.com the Phillies could easily be looking for trades involving Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins. The two franchise stars have had their name dropped in rumors and the past and the Phillies never acted on it, so do not expect them to now. Cliff Lee is likely the only other player truly available after his return from the disabled list.
