Phillies fans have heard several reports in recent days as to whether or not Phillies ace would accept a trade to a particular destination. There were reports Hamels would not accept a trade to the Astros. However, Jayson Stark of ESPN said that the Astros are not one of the teams on his block list. But, in the standard Phillies contract, there are 20 teams to which Hamels can block a trade. Hamels did not name them, but spoke today on trade destinations.
Hamels spoke to CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury and said he finds some of the reports funny:
“I hear it,” Cole Hamels said Friday. “Honestly, it makes me laugh.”
It makes him laugh because he says he has not blocked any potential deals.
“I have not been approached,” he said. “When I’m approached, then I can make a decision and provide an answer about a team.
“But I’m open-minded on everybody and everything.”
Even Toronto and Houston?
“Yes,” he said. “I’ve always been open-minded. I will think about everything.”
Hamels is helping the Phillies with statements like this.
Even if Hamels is dead-set against a particular destination, having that team making offers can only enhance offers from the interested teams. If interested teams think that they are one of the few to which Hamels will accept a trade, then they might bid low.
We have four weeks and five days until the July 31 trade deadline and there will be many more reports of the type. Maybe Hamels will laugh when he hears the rumors. Eventually, one will be a real offer and the Phillies and Hamels might just take it.
