MLB Rumors: Jason Hammel the most desired trade target?
By Bryan Rose
While big name pitchers like David Price and Jeff Samardzija are on the trade block, they also come with hefty price tags, especially since both players still have a season remaining on their contracts. That’s not to say both pitchers aren’t in demand, but when it comes to the most desired trade target available? They apparently have nothing on Chicago Cubs starting pitcher, Jason Hammel.
More from Chicago Cubs
- MLB Rumors: Yankees mistake, Cardinals trade package, Cubs choice
- MLB Rumors: Cardinals budging on Arenado, Orioles-Ohtani package, Yankees backup plan
- Cubs: Cody Bellinger is putting up come-and-get-me numbers
- Cubs front office deserves an apology for Willson Contreras hysteria
- MLB standings ordered by hard hit rate: Struggling Cardinals still cracking bats
After a struggle last season, Jason Hammel has been an extreme bright spot for the Cubs and has posted a sub-three ERA through the first half of the season. Yes, the fear of regressions is likely there, but in the past few days rumored have linked the San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners and many other clubs to having interest in the right hander.
Given that, a major league source tells Nick Cafado that Hammel very well could be the most in-demand trade target available.
"Jason Hammel, 7-5 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.013 WHIP, has gone from one of last offseason’s afterthoughts to a guy who could land a huge payday in free agency. One major league source said, “You could argue that Hammel is the most sought-after player, positional or pitcher, in the trade market right now.”"
Not only is he pitching well, but he’s only signed through this season and the Cubs have no reason to retain him, so he’s all but certain to be traded at some point. The fact that he’s only signed through the remainder of the season also should keep his price tag reduced, which is why so many teams are coveting the veteran arm.