MLB Rumors: Houston Astros Making ‘Big Push’ For Cole Hamels
With the non-waiver trade deadline rapidly approaching, the arms race for Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels and potentially Detroit Tigers’ lefty David Price, is expected to intensify in the coming days.
Thus far the Oakland Athletics have been the biggest sellers, trading Scott Kazmir to the Houston Astros last week and Tyler Clippard to the New York Mets on Monday. It’s believed the Los Angeles Dodgers had interest in Kazmir, but not necessarily Clippard.
Hamels and Price however, are very much on the Dodgers’ radar. One day after it was reported the Dodgers and Texas Rangers were leading the pack in the Hamels sweepstakes, the Astros have suddenly entered the picture, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick:
The #Astros remain in the thick of the Cole Hamels bidding, even after Kazmir trade. They're making big push, source says.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 28, 2015
One complication that could arise in the Astros’ pursuit of Hamels is the list of 20 teams he would accept being traded to, which does not include Houston. He would not need to approve a trade to the Dodgers, among other teams:
Cole Hamels can be traded to 9 teams without his consent: LAD, NYY, NYM, ATL, STL, SD, WASH, TEX and CHC.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 28, 2015
While the Dodgers have held continued interest in Hamels, it’s believed Price is who they covet most in the wake of Johnny Cueto being traded to the Kansas City Royals. If the Dodgers are to miss out on Hamels and the Tigers do not make Price available, it’s said Los Angeles would shift its focus to Rangers right-hander Yovani Gallardo.
However, that presumably may be impacted if the Rangers are the team that’s able to at last pry Hamels out of Philadelphia. He’s currently 6-7 with a 3.64 ERA, 3.20 FIP and 1.18 WHIP.
Additionally, Hamels is averaging 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings and is on pace to surpass 200 innings pitched for a sixth consecutive season. He’s guaranteed $67.5 million over the next three years ($22.5 million each season).
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