Astros in trade talks for Cole Hamels, Padres pitchers

And probably the heaviest rumor out there is the Rangers being in on the Hamels race.

A baseball source said Tuesday the Phillies were taking the Astros seriously amidst a group of three or four teams that are contending for pitcher Cole Hamels, with other clubs are on the periphery as the non-waiver deadline looms July 31.

The Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies continue to have discussions about Cole Hamels, according to Evan Grant (Dallas Morning News).

The Royals certainly need some more starting pitching after losing Jason Vargas to a torn UCL in his throwing elbow. The most likely options: Outfielder Nomar Mazara or catcher Jorge Alfaro, who is out for the year with an ankle issue but is still highly regarded.

The Chronicle also reported the Astros do not appear to have a single target in mind, but their stocked prospect cupboard will allow them to vie for any of the big names on the market, which could also include Tigers ace David Price.

That’s precisely why nobody should be surprised if Hamels is still in a Phillies uniform for the remainder of the 2015 season.

Another report from CBS Sports states that one of the two main “pitchers of interest” for the LA Dodgers is Cole Hamels. Houston has been connected to Johnny Cueto, as well. Hamels is guaranteed $73.5 million through the 2018 season. If the Phillies don’t truly get an offer they love, their hands shouldn’t be forced into making a deal.

As for who the Royals might give up, it seems that shortstop Raul A. Mondesi and third baseman Hunter Dozier might not be going anywhere. Each of those guys ranks in the top five for prospects the Royals have.

Something is going to happen with Hamels in the next week and a half, and it’s likely it will involve a Texas team. But what will the front office in Kansas City be willing to trade?