The trade discussions regarding Philadelphia Phillies' left-hander Cole Hamels have stalled over the past month or so, but an update of situation was provided on Tuesday.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, "five to six teams" are still trying to trade for Hamels, but none have been "close to coming up with a package the Phillies covet." It's been said general manager Ruben Amaro wants three top prospects - one that can make an immediate impact and two others for the future - for Hamels. Nightengale notes the Dodgers, Padres, Rangers, Cardinals and Red Sox have expressed varying degrees of interest in a deal.
Let's go through this list.
San Diego Padres: Besides the Boston Red Sox, the Padres are perhaps the next top destination for Hamels. The left-hander is from San Diego and said he would prefer a trade to the West Coast or the Midwest because that's where his family and his wife's family are from. San Diego is in need of an ace and general manager A.J. Preller has been the most active executive this offseason, so this is very much a possibility. Additionally, they have the prospects - catcher Austin Hedges, pitcher Matt Wisler and outfielder Hunter Renfore - to get the deal done.
Texas Rangers: The Rangers were said to have had "in-depth talks" with the Phillies about a deal for Hamels on the same day they acquired Yovani Gallardo from the Milwaukee Brewers. The potential deal for Hamels was held up over how much of the left-hander's contract the Phillies would cover, so it's believed the Rangers are now out of the sweepstakes because they inherited Gallardo's $14 million salary for 2015 and surrendered a few prospects for him.
We don't know who the possible sixth team is, but we'll be keeping an eye on this front because we're just weeks away before pitchers and catchers report to spring training.