Cole Hamels is not opposed to a trade to the Houston Astros

In a shocking change of events, it seems that the reports out of KHOU 11 that Cole Hamels would not accept a trade to the Houston Astros. It seemed legit, so I wrote this piece on Hamels; Rumors: Cole Hamels Says no to Houston Astros. At that time, sources said that Hamels would not okay a trade to the Astros, but would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for the Texas Rangers or the New York Yankees. This was channel 11’s original report, Source: Phillies ace Hamels would block trade to Astros.

It was surprising that he would okay those two teams, with both currently in second-place. Most Astros fans via Twitter were surprised that Hamels would not accept a trade from the shipwreck that is the Philadelphia Phillies to a young up-and-coming team like the Astros.

Hamels could become the ace or co-ace with Dallas Keuchel on the young Astros staff, and give the Astros a strong 1-2-3 punch in the playoffs with Lance McCullers. Collin McHugh could be the third guy or the fourth guy in the rotation, depending on how he is pitching at that moment.

A few days later, a report out of Philadelphia contradicts what the local new station reported recently, that Cole Hamels is indeed open to a trade anywhere. You can read the full article by Jim Salisbury here Cole Hamels ‘open-minded’ to all potential trade destinations. In the article, Hamels states that it makes him laugh when people state what he will or will not do.

Here is a Hamels said concerning the rumors from Salisbury’s post

"“I haven’t been approached,” Hamels said matter-of-factly. “People are looking at it like I’m holding the dice, but I’m not. Ruben and Pat are.”- Jim Salisbury."

Ruben Amaro Jr. has not approached him about any trade offers, but he will keep an open mind about any team that they approach him. This is including the Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays who he reportedly said he would not accept a trade to. The Astros and the Blue Jays are on Hamels no-trade list, but here is his reasoning for the list from Salisbury’s article.

"“I had to make a list back in October,” he said. “I came up with a criteria based on a lot of things — winning and losing, family. It was only nine teams. Those teams were in the middle of the pack.”- Jim Salisbury"

May 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

When asked specifically about the Astros, Hamels mentioned that he had to make the list in October, and who would have known that the Astros would be this good at the time. I can understand Hamels’ thinking there, after all, the Astros were the fourth worst team in baseball last year. The Astros did not make his nine team list in October, but would he be on top of his list right now?

While the Astros are back into the hunt for Hamels, does that mean that he is guaranteed that he will be an Astro? No, but I still think the Astros will have the desire and the prospects to add an ace pitcher who is not a rental player. Will it cost the Astros some prospects, yes it will? But I trust that Jeff Luhnow will do the best for the Houston Astros, but would ask that they don’t trade Brett Phillips.

Keep up to date with the latest Astros rumors throughout the month of July with CTH, it will be an exciting month. Thanks to Jim Salisbury for the clarification, it would have been a dull trade deadline with no Cole Hamels talk.

Next: Houston Astros: Carlos Correa could win AL ROY

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