The MLB hot stove season is often about more than just free agent rumors and signings. Trades can shift the fortunes of teams just as easily as a big free agent splash, and right now the hottest commodity on the trade market is Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels.
The Los Angeles #Dodgers now also in pursuit of #Phillies ace Cole Hamels, joining #Redsox and others.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 24, 2014
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today the Los Angeles Dodgers are entering the mix for Hamels in light of losing shortstop Hanley Ramirez to the Boston Red Sox.
Hamels, 30, has four years and $96 million remaining on his current contract, but money has not been an obstacle for the Dodgers since their new ownership group took over. They are reportedly duking it out with the Red Sox right now, who Nightengale says are also interested in acquiring Hamels. Last season Hamels was 9-9 with a 2.46 ERA in 30 starts, with a FIP of 3.07.
The Red Sox are an intriguing competitor for the Dodgers, since they've already invested big money in free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval and Ramirez, who appears to be getting shifted to left field as of now. There are rumors of discord between Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and the Boston front office, so Cespedes could be included in a possible deal for Hamels.
The Dodgers have money freed up to absorb Hamels' salary, and he'd also bolster a rotation that was already one of the best in baseball last season. Hamels would join Clayton Kershaw, who has won back-to-back Cy Young awards and three overall, and 2009 AL Cy Young winner Zack Greinke.
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