Cole Hamels remains one of the top players on the MLB trade market this summer and teams like the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, NY Yankees, LA Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays could be interested in making a deal with the Phillies, as Philadelphia is expected to trade the ace pitcher at the trading deadline this summer.
Hamels has been shopped by the Phillies since last year and now it's looking very likely that he will get traded this season. According to Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, Hamels is the top trade target on the market and teams like the Yankees, Orioles and Red sox have expressed interest in the pitcher. The Orioles could look at making a deal at the deadline, while the Red Sox have struggled with their pitching this season. UPDATE: Hamels is willing to waive his no trade clause for the Rangers.
The Yankees reportedly have been interested in Johnny Cueto and if that deal doesn't work out, they could look at Hamels. Heyman writes that the Red Sox "remain the favorites" for Hamels and that the Phillies are interested in prospects in any deal. The Phillies reportedly are willing to take on some money in the deal and Heyman adds that players like Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart are appealing to the Phillies, but Boston likely will not give them up.
This season Hamels is having a fine year, putting up a 2.96 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 94 innings and a 5-5 record. Hamels is going to be the main target for teams at the deadline and with clubs like the Brewers, Reds and Athletics struggling, there is a chance that teams could start selling. The Blue Jays and Padres are teetering on that level, while the Mariners have struggled but appear to be buyers after acquiring Mark Trumbo from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Reds are really struggling and with Johnny Cueto heading into free agency, the team could consider trading him if an extension deal is not reached.
Last season Hamels had one of his best performances while going just 9-9, as he had a 2.46 ERA and that was his lowest in any season in his career. Hamels has never dealt with a serious injury and he has made at least 30 starts every season since 2007, when he had 28. The Cardinals lost Adam Wainwright to an injury and could look at getting another ace, while the Dodgers also could be an option, according to USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale.
The Yankees have dealt with pitching injuries even though Masahiro Tanaka is back, while the Blue Jays have also been hit, but so far Hamels won't waive his no trade for Toronto, according to Heyman. The Phillies are looking for strong minor league prospects in any deal for Hamels and this season Ruben Amaro could also look at trading Ryan Howard, Chase Headley or Jonathan Papelbon.
