Cole Hamels trade rumors: 5 best fits

4. Atlanta Braves

The Braves are one of the most surprising teams of the MLB season thus far, with a half-game lead in the National League East entering Friday’s action. They’ve gotten very good pitching, as they’re tied for fifth in the Senior Circuit in ERA (3.47) and tied for fourth in the National League in K/9 rate (9.1).

Julio Teheran has again been a solid No. 1 starter this year (3.49 ERA over 49 innings), and he’s been followed up well by Mike Foltynewicz (2.89 ERA, 10.9 K/9) and Sean Newcomb (2.51 ERA, 10.4 K.9). Brandon McCarthy has been up-and-down on his way to a 5.05 ERA thus far, though, with Mike Soroka (shoulder) and Anibal Sanchez (hamstring) currently on the disabled list but on track to return soon.

Hamels would fit in nicely behind Teheran, while bumping Foltynewicz and Newcomb down a spot and into starting pitcher matchups they can get the best of more often. McCarthy’s next injury is always around the corner too, and any reliance on Sanchez to make critical starts during a potential playoff push is unwise.

If the Braves make a worthy offer, they are one of the nine teams Hamels can’t block a trade to. And for the first time in a while, they are a desirable destination that won’t leave him wishing he would have put them on his no-trade list.