Boston Red Sox Rumors: Cole Hamels Trade Could Be In The Works

The Boston Red Sox trade rumors are heating up as the weather turns cold, with the team expected to make some big moves during baseball’s winter meetings.

As general managers and coaches gather for baseball’s annual meeting, there are always a number of blockbuster moves, and this year has been no exception. Already, the Los Angeles Dodgers have shipped Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres, and the Chicago Cubs acquired free agent pitcher Jon Lester for $155 million.

But some of the biggest trade rumors have surrounded the Boston Red Sox, who are reportedly in the market for a top-flight pitcher. Sources have indicated that the Sox are high in the running for Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels.

The Phillies are reportedly looking to deal the 30-year-old pitcher in exchange for some key pieces, including offensive firepower. Last season, the Phillies finished in the bottom third of the league in runs scored and team batting average.

If the Phillies and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. do deal Cole Hamels, they may be looking for a good return.

“There’s no way that Ruben’s going to just give away a player,” said new Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, according to Yahoo! Sports. “I mean, we’d have to be wowed to give up a guy like Cole Hamels, which would be a wow that would help us with the process and go in the direction that we want to go.”

As MLBlogs pointed out, the Boston Red Sox could be a good trade partner for the Phillies.

“The Red Sox also have multiple prospects, including pitcher Henry Owens (No. 20), catcher Blake Swihart (No. 24), second baseman Mookie Betts (.812 OPS in 213 big-league plate appearances in 2014) and infielder Xander Bogaerts (.660 OPS in 594 plate appearances in 2014). They will have to part with at least one of them to get Hamels.”

But the Boston Red Sox trade rumors may not pan out if the price tag for Cole Hamels is too high. There are still other pitchers available on the open market, including Max Scherzer and James Shields.

[Image via Fast Philly Sports]