Cole Hamels has long been considered a trade chip for the Philadelphia Phillies as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. However Rob Bradford of WEEI reports that the Phillies are “currently showing no inclination” that they plan to trade Hamels.
While Bradford’s comments will catch the eye, the Phillies surely would consider a trade of the left hander if the return was good enough. The Boston Red Sox had expressed interest in Hamels previously but those talks never got anywhere. Given that the Red Sox are willing to go over $100 million for Jon Lester, there may be no scenario where Hamels lands with them.
Though 16 starts this season the 30-year-old Hamels has a 2.93 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP across 107 1/3 innings of work. He owns a 106/38 K/BB ratio. Hamels is signed though 2018 with vesting option for 2019.
