Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies To Talk Cole Hamels Trade

Aug 7, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels (35) delivers to the plate during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. The Cubs defeated the Phillies 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels (35) delivers to the plate during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. The Cubs defeated the Phillies 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs are expected to hold trade talks with the Philadelphia Phillies in regards to pitcher Cole Hamels.

More from Chicago Cubs

Stop me if you’ve heard this before – the Chicago Cubs are interested in trading for a big name pitcher.

It’s something that has been rumored for quite some time though it seems as if the Chicago Cubs mean business this go-around and Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies could be atop their wish list.

While the Cubs are expected to shop for big name pitchers in free agency they also have plenty of assets to make a deal if they so inclined. Given that their reported interest in trading for Cole Hamels needs to be taken with some merit because few (if any) have better prospects than the Cubs.

"The Cubs, already connected heavily in speculative reports about top free-agent pitchers Jon Lester and Max Scherzer, are also interested in Cole Hamels, according to sources, and are expecting to talk to the Phillies about him."

Cole Hamels has a limited no-trade clause though it’s not known if the Chicago Cubs would be on such as he’s allowed to update it every season.

Assuming the Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies are to talk about a potential trade (and that is expected), it wouldn’t be the first time the two had discussed a move with Hamels involved as the Cubs previously claimed the veteran pitcher off waivers in August.

The two teams did hold discussions though weren’t able to finalize a trade and decided to wait until the offseason to rekindle their talks.

Unlike some of the big name free agents on the market, the Chicago Cubs wouldn’t have to forfeit a draft pick to a restricted free agent if they were to acquire Cole Hamels though obviously would have to part with a significant package of prospects for the 30-year-old arm.

More from FanSided