MLB Trade Rumors: Buzz Surrounding Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon and More

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in a matter of days, so most of the free-agency and trade rumors have settled down as MLB teams are focused on what they have on their rosters. After all, position battles are about to take center stage.

However, there are still loose ends to tie up before the season begins, including some potential trades. The Philadelphia Phillies in particular could make some moves, especially since they may be in for something of a rebuilding season.

With that in mind, here is a look at some of the latest trade rumors circulating around baseball before spring training officially begins.

 

Cole Hamels

Bob Nightengale of USA Today passed along an update on Cole Hamels:

From Philadelphia’s perspective, it makes sense to ask for someone as talented as Blake Swihart, especially if this season is truly going to be a rebuilding effort. He is only 22 years old and widely regarded as one of the best catching prospects in all of baseball. Swihart has the chance to develop into a superstar who hits for average and power and effectively manages a pitching staff.

As for Boston, this is an interesting tight rope to walk.

The Red Sox could use an ace like Hamels atop the rotation (who couldn’t?), and he just posted an impressive 2.46 ERA and 1.15 WHIP last season. Hamels has also pitched more than 200 innings in each of the last five seasons. Adding a durable, left-handed ace to the top of a rotation is a sure-fire way to bolster a team’s World Series chances, and that opportunity is there for Boston.

What’s more, there is never a guarantee that a prospect will pan out at the major league level, even if he seems like a complete lock to put up impressive numbers.

On the other hand, Hamels is 31 years old, and his best years could very well be behind him. Swihart may not be as valuable as Hamels in 2015, but there is a real possibility that the catcher will be the better long-term option. 

That is something the Red Sox will have to decide upon before pulling the trigger on any trade.

 

Jonathan Papelbon

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports noted that Jonathan Papelbon could be on his way to the Milwaukee Brewers, but it is not a sure thing yet:

The Brewers and Phillies are still considering a deal involving star closer Jonathan Papelbon, though there appears to be a bit of work yet to do.

Milwaukee is said to be the favorite to land Papelbon, but one person suggested early Wednesday the sides may be in a bit of a “holding pattern.” The holdup appears to be related to a gap in thoughts about player compensation going back to Philadelphia.

Papelbon turned in a formidable season in 2014 and finished with 39 saves and a 2.04 ERA even though he didn’t have the pop on his fastball like he did in years past. Those numbers should help the Phillies in any potential trade negotiations with Milwaukee. 

Still, the Phillies’ hopes of landing a deep package from Milwaukee in return for Papelbon took a hit recently, as Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel pointed out:

If nothing else, the Brewers now have some leverage in these discussions, which is not great news for the Phillies. Of course, Chris Perez had a 4.27 ERA this past season, so how much leverage the Brewers actually have depends on how much value they put in Perez as compared to what they would get from Papelbon.

Based on last year’s numbers, Milwaukee may want to keep this dialogue open with the Phillies before spring training.

 

Cliff Lee 

Jayson Stark of ESPN passed along an update on Cliff Lee:

It is interesting that Lee appears to be on the trade block given the comments this offseason from general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., via Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly.

“I think he wants to win and I think he wants to be on a club that wants to win,” Amaro Jr. said. “Much like others I’ve spoken to he’d rather be in that position here, but we’re in a different stage. But just like anyone else, Cliff will pitch and I expect him to pitch like a champion. Our minds are open on everything.”

Lee only made 13 starts in 2014 because of lingering elbow problems and will likely have to prove his health to any interested team before a trade happens. He is 36 years old and owed $25 million in 2015, so teams may not be lining up to trade for him as of now. 

However, if he was to return and turn in an impressive start of the season, the Phillies could get a solid package back in a move at the trade deadline. That may be the best-case scenario from Philadelphia’s perspective when it comes to potentially moving Lee and accelerating the rebuilding process with some young assets in return.

 

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