By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Although the non-waiver trade deadline is over 30 days away, it is becoming "increasingly possible" that the Texas Rangers deal former Philadelphia Phillies World Series champion Cole Hamels before next month's All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 17, according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.
While specific teams interested in the 13-year veteran have not been identified, it appears the Rangers — who are in last place in the American League West, 10 games under .500 — are eyeing a rebuild. One team that could be targeting Hamels is the Phillies, who have already been linked via recent rumors to the Rangers' 21-year veteran third baseman and future Hall of Famer, Adrian Beltre.
Read: Phillies Have 'Had Conversation' on Beltre, Donaldson, Machado, Moustakas to Replace Franco
Since leaving via trade to Texas in July 2015, Hamels, 34, is 37-18 in 84 starts with a 3.67 ERA, 1.254 WHIP and 480-190 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 529 2/3 innings. Hamels has recorded 97 strikeouts in 97 1/3 innings this season, but has won just one-fourth of his 16 starts, while posting a 3.61 ERA.
Hamels, 34, is in the last year of his contract and is likely headed for free agency following this season, although whichever team acquires him could exercise his $20 million club option for 2019. A return to Philadelphia would give the Phillies a much-needed southpaw starter, a void which has existed for the past couple of seasons.
Read: Phillies 2008 World Series champion OF Jayson Werth retires
The Phillies also would likely add Beltre in any deal involving Hamels, adding a veteran slugging presence and reliable fielder to the left side of the diamond. Left-handed reliever Jake Diekman, who was included in the Phillies-Rangers deal, could also return to Philadelphia if both clubs were to engage in conversation.
It would be something to see the 2008 World Series Most Valuable Player — and potentially also Diekman — become teammates with some of the prospects the Phillies acquired for them three summers ago — catcher Jorge Alfaro, outfielder Nick Williams and fellow starter Jerad Eickhoff.
