MLB Trade Rumors: Cole Hamels, Texas Rangers starting pitcher and former Philadelphia Phillie, apparently would like to return to Philadelphia, telling Philly writer Scott Lauber that a trade to the Phillies would be “a blessing.” Hamels also calls being with the Phillies on August 5, 2018, when the 2008 championship Phillies team is honored, “the perfect scenario.”
Hamels is widely believed to be on the trade block, and is one of the better starting pitchers seen as likely to move. Complicating the Rangers’ efforts to get a good return, however, is that Hamels is making over $20 million in 2018, has a $20 million team option with a $6 million buyout for 2019, and has a 20 team no trade clause that limits where he can go.