MLB trade rumors: If Yankees want Rangers’ Cole Hamels, Texas might have to sweeten the deal

Texas Rangers southpaw Cole Hamels is one of the best starting pitchers on the trade market. The Yankees need help in the rotation after losing Masahiro Tanaka and Jordan Montgomery to the disabled list. Will GM Brian Cashman make a run at Hamels before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver trade deadline?

After losing Masahiro Tanaka and Jordan Montgomery to the disabled list, there’s no question the Yankees need starting pitching. General manager Brian Cashman will be working hard to add an arm before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

One of the best arms on the market is Texas Rangers southpaw Cole Hamels. Problem is, Hamels will be a costly addition, and it might not be just for the 2018 season. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal explains why the Yankees might pass on Hamels: 

Hamels said last month his no-trade protection was “just kind of a formality,” but that would not stop him from asking a team on his 20-team no-trade list to exercise his $20 million option for 2019, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking.

Hamels’ rationale would be simple: If you want me, you also should want me for next season. Much is at stake for the 13-year veteran: If his option is not exercised, he would receive a $6 million buyout and become a free agent at age 35.

For all the talk of the Yankees acquiring Hamels, he still will be owed nearly $8 million at the deadline, making him a difficult fit for a team trying to remain under the $197 million luxury-tax threshold unless the Rangers included significant cash in the deal.

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Hamels is 3-6 with a 3.86 ERA in 12 starts this season. He faced the Yankees on May 22, giving up two runs in seven innings of work to lead Texas to a 6-4 win over New York.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.