One of the biggest names on the trade block may soon be on the move. According to a report from Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Texas Rangers are looking at the possibility of trading pitcher Cole Hamels by the All-Star break.
Sources: #Rangers groundwork on a Cole Hamels trade has advanced to the point that a deal before the All-Star Game is increasingly possible. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 29, 2018
Without knowing where he might go, it’s difficult to project where Hamels might fit in. Teams like the Atlanta Braves, or even a return to the Philadelphia Phillies, would make sense, if they’re looking to add veteran leadership. With the exception of the Houston Astros, essentially every contending team in each league could certainly use Hamels.
In 16 starts this season, Hamels has posted a 3.61 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and has 97 strikeouts in 97.1 innings pitched.
Hamels also has extensive postseason history. He pitched for the Phillies during their run of five-straight NL East titles from 2007-2011. He won both the NLCS and World Series MVP Awards in 2008. He also pitched for the Rangers during the postseason in both 2015 and 2016.