Report: Chicago Cubs interested in Cole Hamels

Jun 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) pitches during the first inning a game against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Not long ago it was hard for many to imagine Joe Maddon would be managing the Chicago Cubs in 2015. For many Philadelphia Phillies fans, it’s probably hard to imagine Cole Hamels pitching for the Cubs in 2015.  If the Cubs have their way, both could be a reality.

According to CBS’ Jon Heyman, the Cubs are indeed interested in Hamels.  They hope to rekindle talks that took place when Hamels was claimed on revocable waivers by the Cubs this season.

Hamels, 30, is coming off a very misleading 9-9 season and many think his best pitching days are ahead of him.  His current contract will see he gets $22.5 million each of the next four seasons with a potential team or vesting option in 2019.

The Cubs seem to be in buyer mode with Maddon now at the helm. Chicago also has some of the best young talent both at the big league level and just below it. The Phillies have a growing need to get younger which could make the Cubs a promising trade partner.  In turn, Chicago needs pitching to compliment its wealth of young, talented position players.

The Phillies seem to have just about anybody available for the right return and certainly talking trades about a fan favorite like Cole Hamels would point to that availability.