Here are the best bets for the Yankees at this year’s trade deadline

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 25: Blake Snell #4 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws in the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Tropicana Field on June 25, 2018 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 25: Blake Snell #4 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws in the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Tropicana Field on June 25, 2018 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 01: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers throws in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 1, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 01: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers throws in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 1, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) /

4. Cole Hamels

Hamels has been closely linked with a return to the Phillies in recent days, but no deal has been consummated as of yet. Until something concrete happens, he’ll remain on the Yankees’ radar.

In sharp contrast to Duffy, Hamels would likely be more of a rental for the Yankees. He does have one more year left on his current deal, but he’s already 34. The chances of him slotting into Boone’s rotation for years to come are pretty small.

That doesn’t mean moving for him ahead of the deadline couldn’t be a prudent move. His ERA of 4.05 this season isn’t great, but it’s a clear upgrade over what the Yankees are getting at the back-end of their rotation currently. More importantly, Hamels has significant playoff experience. He’s a pitcher Cashman could acquire and feel very comfortable about trusting in October. That can’t be said for most of the pitchers on the market.

In the end, the Yankees’ interest in Hamels is all going to come down to price. The Rangers aren’t going to force Cashman to give him multiple high-end prospects for one year and change of Hamels. It’s very possible another team is going to pay that sort of price. For now, Hamels seems like an option on the back-burner due to his price tag. If his market dips a little, the Yankees could certainly swoop in and clinch a deal quickly though. It’s worth watching as the deadline approaches.