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The Philadelphia Phillies have several suitors for southpaw Cole Hamels, with both teams from the Lone Star State among them.
ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports the Astros are among the leaders in the race for Hamels, despite having already added left-hander Scott Kazmir to their rotation:
The #Astros remain in the thick of the Cole Hamels bidding, even after Kazmir trade. They're making big push, source says.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 28, 2015
Hamels and Kazmir along with All-Star Game starter Dallas Keuchel would give the Astros a trio of top-shelf lefties to go with right-handers Collin McHugh and Lance McCullers in their rotation.
However, Houston is not the only AL West team in pursuit of Hamels, as the Rangers and Phillies have had serious discussions about a deal, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal:
#Rangers will not move Mazara in Hamels deal, one source says. Will yield on Alfaro only if #Phillies add more $$$. Want to keep Chi Chi.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2015
Rosenthal also reported that Phillies scouts were in attendance to see a top Rangers prospect on the mound tonight:
Charlie Kerfeld, top #Phillies scout, is watching #Rangers’ Double A Frisco club tonight. RHP Jake Thompson started for Frisco.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015
While the Rangers are not in contention this season, Hamels is under contract through 2018 and could join Yu Darvish at the top of the Rangers rotation once the latter returns from Tommy John surgery next year as Texas looks to build a contender in the near future. Another team looking at Hamels for long-term purposes appears to be the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have shown interest in him despite being in fourth place in the NL West.
The trade deadline is getting closer by the minute, and Ruben Amaro Jr. is not wanting for options of what to do with his ace.