The Boston Red Sox aren’t the only American League East team linked to Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels.
The New York Yankees have come the closest of any team to landing Hamels, a Phillies source recently told The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo. The Yankees reportedly offered a package of prospects that at least gave the Phillies a baseline for future trade talks.
Hamels has been the subject of trade speculation for a while, and rumors continue to swirl as the Phillies look to rebuild following a disappointing 2014 season. The left-hander’s spring training debut Friday drew 24 scouts, according to MLB.com.
Hamels, a three-time All-Star, is coming off a campaign in which he went 9-9 with a 2.46 ERA in 30 starts. The 31-year-old has totaled at least 30 starts and 193 innings each of the last seven seasons.
The Red Sox seemingly are reluctant to part with prospects Mookie Betts and Blake Swihart in any deal for Hamels, which certainly will complicate matters if Boston indeed decides to pursue the lefty.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
