THE RUMOR: The Astros are "serious" about acquiring Phillies ace Cole Hamels before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
REPORTED BY: Evan Drellich, Houston Chronicle.
THE DETAILS: A source told the Chronicle the Astros are among three or four teams the Phillies are considering as trade partners in deals involving Hamels. Houston also has had preliminary discussions with the Padres about starters Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross.
OUR TAKE: The Astros need to add depth behind staff ace Dallas Keuchel if they hope to contend in the postseason. Hamels, who would come with three years of team control plus an option for a fourth season, would give them a bona fide ace. Sources told the Chronicle the Phillies are willing to eat money in a Hamels deal depending on the quality of the package received. Hamels is guaranteed $73.5 million through the 2018 season. Cashner and Ross represent much less expensive options.
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.
Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow confirmed he will be active, adding he's surprised there hasn't yet been a big trade before the deadline.
“There’s some conversations we’re having that we’re hopeful about,” Luhnow told reporters Tuesday afternoon at Minute Maid Park. “Those could just as easily turn a different direction with one more phone call. All I can say is, we’re working hard.”
