A baseball source said Tuesday the Phillies were taking the Astros seriously amidst a group of three or four teams that are contending for pitcher Cole Hamels, with other clubs are on the periphery as the non-waiver deadline looms July 31.
Although the Astros may be able to acquire a half-year rental arm for the lowest cost in prospects, they’re exploring the market for pitchers who could remain under control even beyond Hamels. They’ve had at least a preliminarily conversation with the Padres about Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross, sources said.
The Astros do not appear to have zeroed in on any single deal or player at this point, however, and have said all along they’d talk to all possible trade partners.