With the MLB Trade Deadline only being three days away, the Houston Astros are still in the bidding war for Philadelphia Phillies’ ace pitcher Cole Hamels.
Last night, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported that the Astros are making a big push for Hamels and tonight FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal adds that Houston is making a strong effort for him.
Additional confirmation tonight that #Astros are making a strong effort for Hamels. How open he is to approving a deal to HOU is not known.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015
If the Astros could add a piece like Hamels to their starting rotation it could set them up for a strong second half push and deep playoff run.
Currently, the Astros have Dallas Keuchel, Scott Kazmir, Scott Feldman, Colin McHugh and Lance McCullers all in their starting rotation. Adding a pitcher like Hamels, who has playoff and World Series experience is invaluable for a young team like the Astros.
But the question once again is will he accept a trade to Houston? If you remember Hamels can block a trade to 20 teams.
This season, Hamels has a 6-7 record with a 3.64 ERA on a Phillies team that is now 38-63, but still has the worst record in the majors. If the Astros can pull off the trade and Hamels accepts, they will have him under contract through 2019, which is very appealing. A rotation of Hamels-Keuchel-Kazmir-McHugh-McCullers could do damage for many years to come in the American League.
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