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Although James Shields has yet to find a team to pitch for in 2015, another starting pitcher has been drawing a notable amount of interest. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, there are five or six teams seeking Phillies lefty Cole Hamels, however none of the interested teams have put together a package Philadelphia is interested in.
Hamels, 31, is coming off of a 9-9 2014 campaign during which he posted a 2.46 ERA and 198 strikeouts in 204.2 innings pitched. He has proven to be durable throughout the course of his career, and his $22.5 million a year salary is comparatively low considering the deal Max Scherzer received from the Nationals.
Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has said he expects Hamels to open the season with the team, but the amount of interest in Hamels could lead to Philadelphia dealing him. The Phillies are rebuilding, and Nightengale notes the Red Sox, Padres, Dodgers, Cardinals, and Rangers have all been linked to Hamels at some point this offseason. As of the middle of January, the Padres, Red Sox, Rangers, and Cardinals were among the teams strongly considering trading for Hamels. However, the Rangers may no longer be interested after acquiring Yovani Gallardo.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal noted last week the Padres could be a possible landing spot for Hamels, although the club has also been linked to James Shields. While both Hamels and Shields are San Diego natives, Rosenthal also suggested the Padres may not have the prospects necessary to acquire Hamels.
Boston is still seeking an ace, and would add a front of the rotation arm by acquiring Hamels. However, according to Nightengale, the Phillies asked the Red Sox for top catching prospect Blake Swihart, but Boston does not want to deal the young catcher.
Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors notes the Phillies are reportedly requesting two "premium talents" in a deal that involves Hamels. Philadelphia has been open to dealing its veterans this offseason, although the club is expecting more in return as a result of Hamels' contract status and productive history.