The Philadelphia Phillies are old and bad. The future looks grim and a shakeup seems inevitable.
According to Howard Eskin of FOX 29 in Philadelphia, sources indicate the Phillies are looking to trade pitcher Cole Hamels this offseason as part of the organization’s rebuilding effort. Eskin said the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs are very interested in the Phillies ace, though it could be speculation.
Hamels’ name has come up in trade rumors several times the last two seasons with the Phillies failing to make the postseason. The Red Sox have long been considered a potential landing spot because they need starting pitching, have several prospects who could be of interest and have the financial flexibility to absorb Hamels’ large contract. The Cubs are in a similar position.
The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo reported in August that the Phillies were aggressively scouting the Red Sox. A source close to Hamels also told Cafardo the left-hander would be open to joining the Sox.
Hamels went 9-9 with a 2.46 ERA in 30 starts with the Phillies in 2014. The three-time All-Star is 108-83 with a 3.27 ERA in 275 games (274 starts) over nine major league seasons.
Hamels, who turns 31 in December, has four years and $90 million remaining on his current contract. The deal also includes an option for 2019.
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