Expect a whole bunch of rumblings involving Cole Hamels over the next week. The Philadelphia Phillies ace has long been the subject of trade rumors, and the market could heat up with the July 31 non-waiver deadline looming.
There are four teams in the “serious hunt” for Hamels, if we’re to believe ESPN’s Jayson Stark, who recently chatted with Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.
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Hamels, of course, is under contract for at least three more seasons beyond 2015, so, unlike Detroit Tigers ace David Price or Cincinnati Reds No. 1 starter Johnny Cueto, the Phillies left-hander could appeal to teams not currently positioned to make a playoff run. That would explain why the Red Sox and Rangers are among the teams reportedly interested in Hamels’ services.
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Hamels reportedly isn’t the only pitcher Boston is considering. The Red Sox, who entered Friday with a 42-54 record, are believed to be in search of young, controllable arms. The Cleveland Indians have several hurlers who fit that bill, including reigning American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar and Trevor Bauer.
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Hamels is scheduled to make his next start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The 31-year-old has been knocked around in his last two outings, so it would behoove both him and the Phillies to have a strong start in the Windy City.
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Thumbnail photo via Chris Humphreys/USA TODAY Sports Images
