MLB trade rumors: Does Yankees’ Brian Cashman prefer Blue Jays’ J.A. Happ or Rangers’ Cole Hamels?

by Felix Pantaleón

The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is July 31, 2018 (7/31/18). Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is shopping for starting pitching. Among his choices are Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler, Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer, Tampa Bay Rays right-handers Chris Archer and Nathan Eovaldi, Texas Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels and Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ.

If Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wants to upgrade his starting rotation before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline, he will have plenty of options, although none that would overwhelm him: Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler, Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer, Tampa Bay Rays right-handers Chris Archer and Nathan Eovaldi, Texas Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels and Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ.

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Hamels and Happ are the most experienced pitchers available. Hamels was the 2008 NLCS and World Series MVP for the Phillies. The 35-year-old Happ will represent Toronto at the 2018 MLB All-Star Game.

If Cashman is forced to choose between Hamels and Happ, Fancred’s Jon Heyman has an idea how that might work out:

The Yankees continue to like J.A. Happ, even after pounding him in Toronto Saturday. The Yankees believe the price is too high on Happ so far. Cole Hamels is on their list, but lower. That may be because Yankees people believe Hamels might have trouble pitching in Yankee Stadium, a home run haven …

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Hamels is 4-8 with a 4.28 ERA tin 18 starts this season. Happ is 10-5 with a 4.44 ERA in 18 starts.

The Yankees bombed Happ in his last start, getting to him for six runs in 2.2 innings of work. Happ has given up 13 earned runs in his last two starts combined.

Hamels is struggling right now as well, having given up 10 earned runs in his last two starts, covering a total of just 5.2 innings of work.

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