According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Philadelphia Phillies want all offers in for Cole Hamels by Wednesday as they look to make a decision on the pitcher by Thursday or Friday at the deadline. Hamels' future with the Phillies is expected to come to an end by the trade deadline as interest continues to heat up over the ace. After tossing a no-hitter over the weekend, the price for Hamels is high, so which teams actually stand a chance at acquiring him?
According to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly, the Texas Rangers could be moving into the lead for Hamels. The Rangers have their sights set on the long-term outlook at the trade deadline making Hamels the perfect target. The pitcher is currently inked for the next few seasons meaning give up a lot could be worth it down the road. The Rangers are eyeing a rotation that would include a healthy Yu Darvish and Derek Holland which could be ideal to make a real run. So what does Texas give up in return?
The Rangers have the best prospects to offer Philly which is what the team wants. According to Stark, Philadelphia is seeking less in money and more in young, developing talent. Philly.com reports that players like Nomar Mazara, Nick Williams and Jorge Alfaro are all prospects that could get Philadelphia's attention in making a deal. That is where other teams falter when it comes to trying for Hamels.
The Chicago Cubs are only willing to offer a deal that includes Starlin Castro and one other prospect. According to the Chicago Sun Times, that is getting them nowhere in the pursuit of Hamels, forcing the team look elsewhere. The Los Angeles Dodgers were unwilling to deal either Corey Seager or Julio Urias. According to ESPN.com, that has forced the team to trade for Mat Latos and Michael Morse from the Miami Marlins while Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting the Dodgers will still enter a bidding war for David Price.
The New York Yankees could still make a push for Hamels despite general manager Brian Cashman expressing hesitation over the idea of giving up prospects in trades. Nightengale believes the Yankees are actually eyeing Price more than Hamels simply because the Philadelphia Phillies are asking too much in return.
Salisbury believes that if the trade was made today, the Rangers would win. If the Dodgers were to seriously offer up Yasiel Puig, there might be some competition for the pitcher. As of right now, Hamels could be headed to Texas.
