The Philadelphia Phillies have been known to be shopping left handed ace for quite some time now. The Phllies have been patient in terms of making the deal, but Hamels’ limited no-trade clause only complicates the matter. With the ability to block trades to 20 teams it is believed Hamels has already blocked any trade that would send him to the Houston Astros.
ICYMI –> Source: Phillies ace Cole Hamels would block trade to Astros http://t.co/Pq6cchJvzK
— Daniel Gotera (@DTGotera) June 23, 2015
The Rangers, Red Sox, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Yankees are the other teams known to be interested in trading for Hamels. The first place Astros have been an anomaly this season after years of being cellar dwellers. Hamels may agree to join Houston if they continue to perform, but for now they are not a possibility.
The Rangers may in fact be closest in acquiring Hamels. Hamels cannot block a trade to Texas as they are one of the ten teams he can be traded to without his consent. A deal involving prospects like catcher Jorge Alfaro and right fielder Nomar Mazara could be enough to sway the Phils to a deal. Young third baseman Joey Gallo is likely off the table in any Hamels trade discussions.
The Red Sox and Yankees are other possibilities but both teams remain on his no trade list as Hamels prefers to pitch on his native west coast. Hamels has insisted that either big market team has to pick up his player option in 2019 for $20 million for him to waive his no trade clause. Hamels is 5-5 on the season with a 2.96 ERA.
