Yesterday, news broke of Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish likely heading toward Tommy John surgery. Such a loss seemed to have put Texas as the frontrunners for the services of Cole Hamels.
Before that, it seemed like all but a foregone conclusion that Hamels was shipping up to Boston and the Red Sox. Their lack of rotation depth primed them to add a bona fide ace.
However, a new report seems to put a different American League team in the lead for the veteran left-hander.
The New York Yankees, riddled with pitching issues of their own, have offered the Phillies the most enticing package thus far. According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, who has been covering Hamels at length, the Yankees have laid the groundwork for a future deal with the prospects that were offered.
In addition, Phillies beat writer Ryan Lawrence reports that a team has "stepped up" in their pursuit of Cole Hamels recently.
Also, Amaro said one team has "stepped up" its pursuit of Hamels. In last couple days, he said.
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) March 8, 2015
While Amaro did not mention any specific teams, coupled with Cafardo's report, we can assume that the Yankees are the team he is referring to.
No specific prospect names have been mentioned, but one would have to assume that names like outfielder Aaron Judge, catcher Gary Sanchez, right-handed pitcher Luis Severino and first baseman Greg Bird.
Cole Hamels made his Spring Training debut against the Yankees last week, tossing two scoreless frames.
What makes this report even more interesting is the news today that Cliff Lee has suffered a setback. A healthy Lee would be a safety net in the scenario that a Hamels trade cannot get done. However, an injured Lee creates a sense of urgency, as a failure to make a proper Hamels trade leaves the rebuilding process in limbo.
A trade before Opening Day 2015 is still a possibility, especially with the Yankees, considering the no-trade clause in the Hamels contract does not allow him to block a trade to New York.
It seems that, after a week or two of little information, the interest in Hamels has not only resurfaced, but strengthened. Perhaps this recent news of Yankee interest will force the hand of other involved clubs.
Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com
