Though the free agent pool is full of plenty of top pitchers, the rebuilding Philadelphia Phillies are asking for a king's ransom in a potential trade for Cole Hamels -- to the tune of three top prospects.
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Hamels, 30, is undoubtedly one of the Phillies' top trade chips, but CSNPhilly.com reports that Philadelphia will only part ways with the southpaw for three top prospects. Adding to that, the Phillies want two of the prospects to be MLB-ready while the third shouldn't be too far away in order for a deal to be struck.
According to the report, two teams that have interest in dealing for Hamels are the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, who each finished in last place in their respective divisions in 2014 and could use starting pitching based on trades they made during the season.
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Hamels is a three-time All-Star, but teams are likely reluctant to put up what the Phillies are asking for to land him, especially with names such as Max Scherzer, Jon Lester and James Shields out on the free agent market.
Adding to the hurdles the Phillies have in the way of a deal is the fact that Hamels is owed a maximum of $114 million over the next five years and will be turning 31 next month.
Hamels also has a 20-team no-trade list which could make finding a match difficult for the Phillies.
Philadelphia has been reluctant to fully commit to a rebuilding process, but after a 73-89 last place finish to the 2014 campaign, the Phillies have now missed the playoffs for three straight years and posted losing records over the last two.
Hamels had a solid season in 2014, going 9-9 and posting a 2.46 ERA that trailed only Cy Young and MVP Award candidate Clayton Kershaw in the National League.
Hamels is 108-83 in 275 career games, all with the Phillies, with a 3.27 ERA, 1.142 WHIP and 1,707 strikeouts.
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