The Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies are engaging in trade discussions involving left-hander Cole Hamels, according to CSN Chicago reporter, David Kaplan.
“MLB sources confirmed to me this afternoon that the Cubs have been in discussions with the Philadelphia Phillies on a deal for Cole Hamels who has three years left on his current contract plus an option year. While he is an expensive piece he fits the needs of the team to upgrade their rotation while adding a player who would be a part of the team beyond the rest of this season. The Cubs will probably add an additional starter for depth perhaps as a rental type but that is not expected to be a significant acquisition.”
The appeal of Hamels for the Cubs is his contract, which runs through 2018. While the dollar amount is expensive, the 31-year-old represents not just a rental arm for a playoff run, but a bonafide ace that the club can build their rotation around beyond this season.
The asking price for rental arms such as Johnny Cueto, David Price, Mike Leake, and Jeff Samardzija has also been unrealistically high, according to Kaplan.
The Cubs have even reportedly offered a deal, which the Phillies are unimpressed by. According to CBS Sports, the Cubs have offered top prospect Javier Baez and current young shortstop, Stalin Castro. Baez was the Cubs’ ninth overall pick in 2011 draft. In five minor league seasons, the 22-year-old has batted .282 with 84 home runs and 267 RBIs. In 92 games for the Cubs this season, the 25-year-old Castro has hit .239 with five home runs and 40 RBIs.
Although the Phillies are uninterested in the offer, the Cubs remain determined to land the former World Series MVP.
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