The Los Angeles Dodgers are rumored to be in the mix for a number of pitchers, including Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels. But they should expect competition in the form of the Texas Rangers, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman.
The Texas Rangers are nine games behind the Los Angeles Angels in the American League West, and seven games out of a wildcard spot, but are remaining buyers as the trade deadline approaches. The Rangers have been more competitive than expected thanks to a bounce back season from Prince Fielder, and mostly smoke and mirrors.
Not much was expected of Texas after a last-place finish in 2014, and losing ace right-hander Yu Darvish to Tommy John surgery before 2015 even began. They are below the American League average in runs per game as well as runs allowed per game, and yet they remain on the fringes of contention. That may not be a signal to buy, but Hamels is a rare breed.
Unlike Johnny Cueto of the Cincinnati Reds and David Price of the Detroit Tigers, Hamels is not a free agent next season. Hamels is locked up through 2019 on a deal that was massive when he signed it (2013), but now seems like a near-bargain as baseball salaries have shot upward. His last two outings have seen Hamels cough up 14 earned runs in 6.1 innings, but prior to that he had pitched to a 5-6 record with a 3.02 ERA.
He is also in his second straight year of pitching for the worst team in the National League, but has remained mostly as consistent as he was when the Phillies owned the NL East.
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