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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 teams that should be all-in on Cole Hamels

By Joshua Sadlock

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 11: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 11: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 12: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) eyes the runner at third during the MLB game between the Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 12, 2018 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 12: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) eyes the runner at third during the MLB game between the Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 12, 2018 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Philadelphia Phillies

As the Washington Nationals continue to falter, the Philadelphia Phillies have opened up a larger gap as the leader for the National League’s second Wild Card. This team is for real, and should be prepared to deal at the deadline in an effort to hold onto their grip on a playoff spot. The Phillies are following a similar script to the 2015 Houston Astros, who went from rebuild mode to contender in the blink of an eye.

The Phillies may not be World Series contenders this year, but staying in the race and getting to the playoffs will have massive benefits for their young core down the road. June was the worst month of the season so far for the Phillies, but it ended on a high note after they took five of seven games for the Nationals.

Pitching has gotten the Phillies to where they are in the standings as the offense continues to grind its way through the ups and downs that young hitters are prone to endure. The staff struggled in June, however, with Jake Arrieta and Nick Pivetta getting knocked around several times. Vince Velasquez has also landed on the disabled list after being hit by a line drive.

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Cole Hamels is a beloved figure in Philadelphia — though not quite as deified as Chase Utley — and would welcome a return to the City of Brotherly Love four years after being moved during the rebuild. The Phillies can make any type of deal the Rangers wish to pursue. The teams match up well, and Hamels loves Philadelphia. This is a no-brainer if the Phillies decide they need a veteran starter at the deadline.

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