Cole Hamels Trade Rumors: Boston Red Sox, NY Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, Dodgers Options For Philadelphia Phillies Deal?

Cole Hamels is the top pitcher on the trade market this season and teams like the Boston Red Sox, NY Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox could be potential options for the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline for Ruben Amaro Jr. if the pitcher is traded.

Hamels was mentioned in trade rumors during the offseason with the Boston Red Sox being the most interested and they could pick that up again during the season. The Boston Globe reported that the Red Sox made a "serious offer" for Hamels earlier in the season, but the prospects in the package did not entice the Phillies. According to Fox Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies are "waiting for teams to call" and that Philadelphia is willing to pick up salary in a deal for Hamels.

The Phillies likely would pick up some of Hamels' salary to help a deal go through, as that could entice teams to put better prospects in whatever package they give up. The Phillies are looking for strong minor league prospects in any deal for Hamels and this season Amaro could look at trading Ryan Howard, Chase Headley or Jonathan Papelbon. Hamels is coming into 2015 after having one of his best seasons in 2014 and that should only make him a hotter commodity at the deadline.

Hamels has continued his strong play from last year, posting a 1.53 ERA over the last few starts he has made and this season he is 5-3 with a 2.98 ERA with 67 strikeouts in 66 innings. Hamels has never dealt with a serious injury and he is just 31 years old on a four year deal. Hamels has been pitching well this season and compared to some pitchers his contract is not that big, as he is set to get $90 million over the four seasons, but it also could be for an extra year at $105 million depending on where he is traded.

Jon Heyman at CBS Sports reports that the Blue Jays are not likely to pull the trade off, as Hamels will not waive his no trade clause for that team. The Cardinals could be an option, as they have lost Adam Wainwright for the season to an injury and may look at adding another top pitcher. The Red Sox remain the most likely option, as they have a deep farm system and a major need. The team was expected to have a deep rotation this year,

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