The staring contest between the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies continues.
A rival general manager recently told CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman that Boston “isn’t blinking” in its trade talks with Philadelphia for left-hander Cole Hamels. Heyman suggests, however, the Red Sox still are the favorite to land Hamels because of their prospect depth and their need for a front-line starter.
According to Heyman, the Phillies haven’t come off their asking price of a package centered on either Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart. The Red Sox obviously have refused to relinquish either player to this point, so the teams might need to get creative if they’re ever going to execute a trade involving Hamels.
Heyman heard the Phillies like Red Sox prospect Manuel Margot. The outfielder has climbed Boston’s prospect rankings over the last season-plus, and the Phillies recently sent Charlie Manuel to scout the Red Sox’s High-A club in Salem, Va., according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Hamels, a three-time All-Star, entered Friday with a 1-2 record and 3.19 ERA in five starts this season.
Thumbnail photo via Evan Habeeb/USA TODAY Sports Images
