It’s going to take a lot to pry Cole Hamels away from the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies are looking for at least three top prospects — two that can play now and one that isn’t far away — in exchange for Hamels, industry sources tell CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury.
Hamels’ name has been tossed around in trade rumors for a couple of years, yet Philadelphia has refrained from dealing the ace. The Phillies are coming off a disappointing season and are looking to rebuild, though. Trading Hamels could be the best way to land several potentially impactful pieces.
Hamels, who turns 31 in December, went 9-9 with a 2.46 ERA this season. The left-hander is a legitimate No. 1 starter with a track record of playoff success and certainly will generate plenty of interest on the trade market if the Phillies indeed make him available.
Hamels has a limited no-trade clause. He’s also owed $90 million over the next four seasons. Jon Lester, Max Scherzer and James Shields figure to land big deals in free agency this offseason, however. Hamels and his contract could be appealing so long as a team is willing to part ways with young talent in exchange for the southpaw.
Salisbury points to the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs as two known suitors for Hamels.
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