Report: Cubs Were In Attendance To Scout Cole Hamels On Sunday
(CBS) In casting a wide net to add a starting pitcher before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, the Cubs were in attendance to scout Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels on Sunday, CBS Sports MLB insider Jon Heyman reported.
They weren't alone either, with at least four other teams -- the Dodgers, Rangers, Red Sox and Orioles -- there as well, Heyman reported. The Dodgers are believed to be the most serious about acquiring the 31-year-old Hamels or another big-name pitcher, while the Cubs have had preliminary discussions about Hamels in recent weeks, Heyman reported.
Hamels had a poor outing Sunday, allowing five runs, all earned, on eight hits in three innings while taking a no-decision against the Marlins. He's now allowed 14 earned runs in his past 6 1/3 innings.
Nevertheless, he remains a hot name on the trade market as the Phillies look to rebuild during a disastrous season. Hamels is 5-7 with a 3.91 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 124 strikeouts in 119 2/3 innings this season.
For those without the deep pockets of the big-money Dodgers, any deal for Hamels could be complicated by his contract. He has about $84 million remaining on his contract through 2018, counting a $6 million buyout for 2019, Heyman reported.
As it sits, it'd largely be considered a surprise if the Cubs traded for Hamels, because indications are they don't want to part with the likes of talented youngsters Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler. The Phillies would likely ask for at least one of those players in any potential deal.
In addition to that, Chicago can wait until the offseason to buy a top-of-the-line starter, with the likes of David Price, Jordan Zimmermann, Johnny Cueto, Zack Greinke and Jeff Samardzija set to become free agents.