Rangers discussing pitching deals with Phillies, Marlins

The Rangers are in trade discussions with the Phillies and Marlins about deals that would send pitching help to Texas, according to reports from Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com and Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. According to the reports, potential targets for the Rangers include Cole Hamels of the Phillies and lefties Brad Hand and Michael Dunn of the Marlins.

After losing Yu Darvish for the season due to Tommy John surgery, the Rangers have been engaged in discussions with the Phillies about Hamels, who has been one of the hottest names on the trade market for much of the last year. Heyman reports that the sides are not close to a deal at this time, but are instead discussing prospect packages as they try to come to terms on a deal.

Grant's report notes that the Rangers' chances of acquiring Hamels "may be slim", leading to the active discussions with Miami about their pitchers. Though the exact names being discussed are not yet known, Texas is known to be looking for left-handed pitching help and likely have some interest in Hand or Dunn. Hand is out of options and is a trade candidate this spring due to his ability to either start or relieve, while Dunn could join left-hander Alex Claudio in the Rangers' bullpen if the sides swing a deal.

Miami is slated to have Henderson Alvarez, Mat Latos, Jarred Cosart, and Dan Haren in their rotation along with rehabbing ace Jose Fernandez, with Hand, Tom Koehler and David Phelps providing depth in the team's starting mix.