Cole Hamels remains available with the trade deadline quickly approaching. The Philadelphia Phillies have officially placed him on the market in hopes of getting some kind of deal while their asking price has been considered too steep. Several teams have gone out to scout the pitcher during his most recent starts and now a deal could be developing as the Chicago Cubs seek out one more arm to add to their rotation.
According to CSN Chicago's David Kaplan, the Phillies and Cubs are negotiating a trade for the pitcher that could come together quickly. The deal reportedly involves sending Starlin Castro and top prospect Javier Baez to Philadelphia in exchange for the pitcher, a deal that may or may not thrill the Phillies. Castro has struggled heavily this year both as a hitter and defensive player. While he vows to improve in the second half of the season, the Phillies might not want a player that has low numbers like his.
The Cubs like the idea of Hamels because unlike most of the other pitchers, he is not a short-term rental. Hamels currently has three years remaining on his contract meaning the Cubs will at least get something out of dealing a top prospect. Hamels leads the trade talk because of his contract as teams remain hesitant to sign players like David Price or Johnny Cueto for free they depart in free agency.
The Cubs are still keeping their options open while negotiations continue. According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Cubs went and scouted Price in his last start where he allowed two runs on five hits in eight innings of work. Price is the ace that Chicago wants, but he will be a pricey free agent come the offseason. According to the Detroit Free Press, Price is not expected to re-sign with the Tigers whether he is traded or not so the Cubs could technically get him, just not this season.
Chicago is still being linked to closers as well. ESPN.com lists them as the best possible option to get Jonathan Papelbon, but it appears the only Phillies pitcher taking their interest in Hamels. Craig Kimbrel or Aroldis Chapman could easily be options if the Cubs are willing to take on larger contracts in order to win this season. Chicago had a strong first-half of the season and want to keep the momentum moving into a playoff berth. In order for that to happen they need to give themselves at least one upgrade at the trade deadline.
