Yankees trade rumors: Cole Hamels would be ideal

The New York Yankees are long on money and light on pitching, making Cole Hamels one of the better fits for them in the trade market.

We are still a month and a half away from the MLB trade deadline, but the New York Yankees are going to be buyers. Going into Father’s Day weekend, the Yanks sit a comfortable 45-20, tied with the Boston Red Sox atop the American League East.

Conversely, the Texas Rangers are going nowhere fast. The team is in last place of the AL West with a 27-44 mark, already 19 games out. Texas is going to be selling some pieces, and Cole Hamels figures to be one of them.

Hamels, 34, is pitching to a 3.69 ERA despite playing in the hitter’s haven down in Arlington, with 85 strikeouts in as many innings. The southpaw has this year and one more left on his deal, with 2019 being an option of $20 million. Should the Yankees not want to pay that price, they can buy out the option at $6 million.

Of course, money is never a problem with the Yankees. They are also slated to drop more than $30 million off their books before next season, and only have Giancarlo Stanton as a major commitment financially. Hamels would be able to give New York another top-end starter alongside Luis Severino, and insurance in case Sonny Gray never discovers his former self.

The only fly in the ointment is Hamels’ no-trade clause which includes the Bronx Bombers. Still, it can be waived, and if the Yankees let him know that his option will be converted into a guarantee, that might sway him.

As for the return, New York likely doesn’t give up a ton here. The Yankees might be looking at dealing someone like Chance Adams as the centerpiece, but Texas is also getting a ton of salary relief. If the trade was done right at the midway point of the season, Hamels would be due $11.25 million for the remainder of the campaign.

For the Yankees, who have legitimate designs on winning their 28th World Series title, getting Hamels would be a fantastic move.