Cole Hamels has been linked to high-profile MLB clubs such as the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees and others. But are the Houston Astros a viable trade candidate for the left-hander?
The Astros have perhaps been the biggest surprise in the MLB thus far into the 2015 season. They lead the AL West division with an 18-9 record and sit a comfortable six games ahead of the Los Angeles Angels. Although records through the month of April have absolutely no gauge on how a given club were to perform for the duration of the season, the early success of Houston suggests they may have something good going.
Manager A.J. Hinch's club ranks sixth in the MLB in runs scored (127) and seventh in ERA (3.22). Thanks to the success of All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve (.348/.397/.496 with 16 runs scored, 3 home runs, 19 RBIs and 10 stolen bases) as well as the stellar campaign put forth by starter Dallas Keuchel (3-0 with a 0.80 ERA and 0.76 WHIP), the Astros have put themselves in a good position to succeed moving forward.
If they can sustain the consistent play and maintain a record that keeps them in contention, would the club consider making a trade that really puts them over the edge to help propel them into the postseason?
One of the "Bleacher Tweets" that was discussed on the Baseball Tonight Podcast today posed the question, "If their success continues, should the Astros get into Cole Hamels discussions? What would a 'Stros package look like?"
ESPN Insider Buster Olney shared his insight on the matter.
"If the Phillies were to follow up on what they've asked for from other teams, then they would ask, I would assume, about Carlos Correa, the tremendous young shortstop prospect," he said. "And the Astros would laugh and hang up the phone."
Philadelphia has been asking for three top prospects in return for Hamels and it's likely they are looking to relieve themselves of the remaining money on his contract (he was guaranteed $96 million over four years at the beginning of the season). But maybe Houston can figure something else out (if Hamels interests them) since they probably won't be willing to offer up Correa.
"Maybe the Astros could put some other ideas together, but the first thing that would have to happen is that the Phillies would have to get off their very best prospects."
However, at this point, especially with all of the significant injuries to starting pitchers across the MLB, including Adam Wainwright, Masahiro Tanaka, Brandon McCarthy and others, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro is rumored to have not lowered the asking price for Hamels.
Olney thinks the Astros should stand pat and avoid making such a deal that might hinder the development of their farm system.
"I personally don't think the Astros should do this," he added. "I think they're still early in their development ... you've got to be patient because you're in this for the long haul, you're not looking for the quick fix. I think there are other ways to get good pitching besides trading for the most expensive pitcher on the market."
However, Astros' general manager Jeff Luhnow told Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle that the team plans to be active on the summer trade market if they feel they've got a good chance to be relevant for the rest of the season, and adding to the starting rotation is atop his priorities.
We'll see what the market looks like for Hamels as the next few months progress and if the Astros can keep up and stay in those discussions.
