MLB trade rumors: Yankees could lose Rangers’ Cole Hamels to surprising NL contender

The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is July 31, 2018 (7/31/18). Texas Rangers southpaw Cole Hamels could be had in a deal. Will Yankees general manager Brian Cashman make a play for the 2008 World Series MVP? Or will a team like the Milwaukee Brewers snatch the 34-year-old lefty?

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With the calendar turning to June, the MLB non-waiver trade deadline is quickly approaching. Between now and July 31st, there will be countless rumors and endless speculation regarding who might go where.

The Yankees, with the second-best record in baseball (35-17), will be linked to many of those rumors.

While it’s looking less likely that general manager Brian Cashman will swing a deal for Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado, a deal for front-line pitching cannot be dismissed.

Perhaps the best pitcher on the trading block is Texas Rangers southpaw Cole Hamels.

But USA Today’s Bob Nightengale doesn’t think Hamels will be heading to the Bronx:

The Rangers are not going to pick up his $20 million option in 2019, which includes a $6 million buyout, and would love to dump as much of his $23 million salary now. Hamels, a four-time All-Star and 2008 World Series MVP, is just 3-5 with a 3.74 ERA, but has a postseason pedigree that would be ideal for any contender, particularly in the National League.

Prediction: The Brewers may be on Hamels’ no-trade list, but for a chance to return to the playoffs, Hamels will waive it in a heartbeat.

Fascinating Cole Hamels Q&A

Hamels, the 2008 NLCS and World Series MVP for the Phillies, faced the Yankees 10 days ago, giving up two runs in seven innings of work, leading the Rangers to a 6-4 victory.

He returned to the mound Sunday, but with less success. He gave five runs in 6.1 innings of work in the Rangers’ 5-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

Hamels is scheduled to return to the mound Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels. 

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