Cole Hamels is the top trade target on the market this season and the Philadelphia Phillies may look at a deal sooner rather than later, as teams like the NY Yankees, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, LA Dodgers, Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles could be interested and this comes as the team is dealing with the resignation of Ryne Sandberg at manager.
Hamels has been talked about in deals since last season and teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers all could look at deals this summer. The Yankees and Red Sox have dealt with pitching issues, as CC Sabathia and Joe Kelly have struggled, while Michael Pineda and Masahiro Tanaka have been roughed up in recent starts. Kelly was demoted by the Red Sox and now those teams could be interested in making a move. The Royals are also reportedly looking at Mike Leake and could take a look at Hamels.
The Rangers reportedly are interested, as FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reports that the team had "high level" scouts looking at the Rangers, including for pitcher Chi Chi Rodriguez. Hamels is having a strong season despite losing his last start, as he is 5-6 with a 3.26 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 99 innings pitched this year. Hamels will be the top target for teams at the deadline along with Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake.
According to ESPN.com, Sandberg decided to step down as Phillies manager this week and added that part of the reason were changes in the front office. The team is bringing in a new president and now third base coach Pete Mackanin will be the interim manager. Sandberg comes in after managing a full season in 2014 and he managed in parts of three years for the team.
According to ESPN.com, the Phillies would be willing to pay some money in the deal and that could help sweeten the pot when it comes to getting prospects. The Red Sox rotation has struggle mightily this season and paying money could help the team get players Boston isn't looking to give up. The team likely will not deal Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart, but they have a deep system to use in a deal. Other teams include the surprising Houston Astros, as they are leading the AL West and need some pitching.
Last season Hamels had one of his best performances while going 9-9, putting up 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.
Hamels has a contract $90 million over the next four seasons and that makes some teams wary, but it also could be for an extra year at $105 million depending on where he is traded, as the next year option could vest.
