Dodgers Rumors: Cole Hamels Available, Dodgers Interested

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One of the areas the Los Angeles Dodgers have been rumored to be interested in addressing is starting pitcher. As a result, Jon Lester and David Price have been two names most linked to the Dodgers.

General manager Ned Colletti first indicated the Dodgers wouldn’t part ways with their elite prospects to land a top-flight pitcher, but later left the door open at the possibility.

While much of the focus has been placed on Lester and Price, Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies is another target, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports:

Sources: Phillies have made Cole Hamels available on trade market, although price remains high. Dodgers interested. @FOXSports1

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 28, 2014

Along with the Dodgers, Morosi reports the St. Louis Cardinals are in strong contention for Hamels:

Cardinals and Dodgers are teams with best chance to acquire Cole Hamels from Phillies, sources say, but price is very high. @FOXSports1

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 28, 2014

The Phillies are in last place in the National League East and as a reulst, are believed to be interested in shedding salary. The was a report the Dodgers would pursue closer Jonathan Papelbon, which was later refuted.

Hamels has four years and $90 million remaining on his contract after this season. His contract includes a vesting option for $20 million in 2019 should he throw a minimum of 400 innings in 2017-2018.

The option also stipulates at least 200 of the innings come in 2018 and is contingent on Hamles avoiding the disabled list with a shoulder or elbow injury at the end of 2018.

Hamels is 5-5 this season with a 2.72 ERA and is coming off an 8-14 season. The left-hander won a career high 17 wins in 2012, which was the final season in a six-year stretch where he won double-digit wins.

The Dodgers are one of the teams who can trade for Hamels without requiring the pitcher’s approval.
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