Red Sox Possibly Considering Cole Hamels, Others in Trade Market
The Boston Red Sox continue to be wrapped up in rumors ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, and reports indicate that they’re looking at starting pitchers. One of the highest-pedigree hurlers out there, Texas Rangers lefty Cole Hamels, could be on their radar.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are possibly interested in Hamels as they scan the trade market with the deadline fast approaching. As Cafardo noted, Hamels is “trying to work out some mechanical issues” amid one of his worst seasons as a major leaguer. Through 19 starts, the 34-year-old Hamels is 5-8 with a 4.36 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, both career-worst numbers.
The Yankees, Phillies, and Braves are also reportedly interested in Hamels’ services. Even in a down year for the veteran southpaw, Hamels might ultimately command too much of a price in terms of prospects going to the Rangers. Consider this: Cafardo’s column also mentioned the Marlins’ Dan Straily as a potential target, but even Miami isn’t terribly “enamored” by the Red Sox’ farm system.
Detroit’s Mike Fiers is also an apparent trade target for the Red Sox, who got an up-close-and-personal look at the righty on Saturday night. He shut out the Sox for 6.1 innings on Saturday, pitching the Tigers to a 5-0 win at Comerica Park.
![](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2018/07/USATSI_10978285_168386148_lowres-e1532238964423.jpg)
Jul 21, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Mike Fiers (50) pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
On top of all this, Fancred’s Jon Heyman tweeted on Sunday that the Red Sox are considering free-agent outfielder Austin Jackson. The 31-year-old started the season with the San Francisco Giants, who are also reportedly interested in potentially bringing him back, before being traded to the Rangers then released earlier in July.
However, the bulk of the most recent reports and rumors show a growing interest in starting pitching for the Red Sox ahead of July 31. Injuries to Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright, and uncertainty surrounding Drew Pomeranz’s return from biceps tendinitis, have ostensibly made the Red Sox focus more on adding depth to the starters at the deadline.
Hamels is likely to be too expensive for the Red Sox, but at this point it appears likely that Dave Dombrowski will try to make a Steve Pearce-esque move for the starting rotation.
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].