The now Joe Maddon-led Chicago Cubs aren't going to stand idle as free agency and the trade market heats up, swelling and contracting as big names move swiftly across the league from city to city, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
Already connected to big ticket free agent pitchers like Jon Lester and Max Scherzer in reports, sources tell Heyman the team is also very much interested in potentially acquiring the services of Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher, Cole Hamels.
"It isn't known how the Cubs are prioritizing the top available starting pitchers, but suffice it to say they will investigate all three, and possibly James Shields, who has connections with new Cubs manager Joe Maddon," Heyman writes. "Chicago has a superb group of young position players but to compete, it must upgrade its pitching staff, particularly the rotation."
The two sides engaged in "brief" trade talks involving the lefty ace in August, but couldn't come to an agreement. The Cubs claimed Hamels on revocable waivers, but the Phillies pulled him back after talks stalled.
Philadelphia, entering what general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has deemed a "rebuilding" phase, has made every player on their roster available to interested teams, according to HNGN.
The 30-year-old Hamels is far and away the team's most valuable asset.
While well-paid at $96 million over the next four years, he has a relatively affordable contract compared to what Lester and Scherzer would most likely demand - Scherzer turned down a $144 million, six-year deal from the Detroit Tigers in spring training.
Hamels would not cost the Cubs a pick, but the Phillies would, no doubt, be seeking a number of highly touted prospects from Chicago's farm system in exchange for his rights. The Cubs have been reluctant in the past to deal from their impressive stockpile of talented young position players.
Hamels' nine-team list he'd accept a trade to, which included the Dodgers, Padres, Angels, Cardinals, Nationals, Braves, Yankees, Red Sox and Rangers in August, did not also include the Cubs, but he was due to update the list Nov. 1.
Hamels went 9-9 with a 2.46 ERA for the beleaguered Philly franchise this past season.
