Astros in trade talks for Cole Hamels, Padres pitchers
The Houston Astros are in the middle of a playoff race in the AL West and are looking to add a pitcher who might put them over the top.
According to the Houston Chronicle’s Evan Drellich, the Astros are among the serious contenders to land Cole Hamels from the Phillies. They also have been talking with the Padres about pitchers Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner.
Three or four teams are said to be in the mix for Hamels. The Dodgers and Rangers are two other teams pursuing the southpaw, who is owed $73.5 million over the next three seasons. He reportedly would have to approve a trade to Houston as they are on his no-trade list.
Cashner and Ross would be desirable targets for the Astros because of their pricetags. Ross, 28, is under team control through 2017, while Cashner is controlled through 2016. The Astros reportedly are prepared to deal prospects in order to land a top pitcher.
Houston has been one of the surprise successes in MLB this season. They slipped to second in the division prior to the All-Star break and are vying for their first playoff spot since 2005.
