MLB Trade Rumors: Rangers Interested in Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels
The Texas Rangers are still looking to bolster their pitching it would seem. According to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports, the Rangers have been scouting both Zack Greinke of the Brewers and Cole Hamels of the Phillies. Both players have expiring contracts at the end of this season and are playing for teams that do not seem to be contenders at this point.
The Rangers, on the other hand, clearly are contenders. They lead the American League West by 5.5 games, but the Angels are playing well and the Rangers will need help to maintain their lead. Their pitching has been hit hard by injuries, and Yu Darvish has been inconsistent. While Roy Oswalt has provided a nice little boost, the Rangers are not comfortable in settling for what they have.
Greinke is 9-2 with a 2.82 ERA this season for the struggling Brewers. He has been one of the few bright spots for Milwaukee. While the Brewers have not yet openly placed Greinke on the trading block, they have struggled to get a contract extension in place. At this point, it seems an extension is unlikely and a trade is a very real possibility.
The Phillies have made it clear through their inaction that Cole Hamels is available. They have not shown a willingness to re-sign Hamels this season or during the offseason. With their record, and their fading position in the National League East, Philadelphia is about to become a seller. Hamels is the most sought-after product they have. He is 10-4 with a 3.08 ERA.
Morosi suggested the Phillies would seek the Rangers top third base prospect in return for a trade involving Cole Hamels.
"The Phillies are seeking a long-term answer at third base and likely would ask the Rangers for star prospect Mike Olt in a trade for Hamels."
The Rangers have Adrian Beltre at third, but he won’t be there forever. It’s a difficult position to be in. If the Rangers make the move and win the World Series, the ends justify the means. However, if they make the move and down the line fall back to mediocrity because they did not restock their farm, they would have this potential trade to look back on.
Morosi did not opine on who the Brewers would ask for in return, but its safe to assume they would be looking for a similar talent-level prospect as Olt.
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