Rangers, Phillies discussing Cole Hamels trade

The Rangers and Phillies are having "ongoing dialogue" about a deal that would send Cole Hamels to Texas, according to a report from Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com. According to the report, Hamels has expressed that he is willing to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a deal to Texas.

Hamels, who has been at the center of trade rumors for a full year, has also been linked to the Cardinals, Red Sox, and Astros in recent reports, though one report last night stated that he would not be willing to go to Houston. Texas has had interest in the southpaw for months, with the Phillies showing interest in top prospects Nomar Mazara and Jorge Alfaro in previous negotiations. It is unclear if they have lowered their asking price, though a revitalized Rangers' farm system led by the drafting of high-end talent like Dillon Tate, Eric Jenkins and Michael Matuella may make Texas willing to deal from a deep pool of young talent.

As Morosi reports, the Rangers view Hamels as an "elite upgrade worth pursuing" despite having Martin Perez, Matt Harrison and Derek Holland slated to return from injuries later this season. The team is currently working with a rotation of youngsters Nick Martinez and Chi Chi Gonzalez along with veterans Yovani Gallardo, Colby Lewis and Wandy Rodriguez, looking a bit weak after the losses of Perez, Harrison, Holland and ace Yu Darvish.