The Nationals and Rangers are reportedly in talks about Cole Hamels

As we’ve mentioned in this space before, there are multiple teams looking to upgrade their pitching before the trade deadline and not as many teams with the level of pitching talent the former group is looking for. Or there’s talent available but the asking price is way too high as proportionate to the actual need. With multiple pitchers sent to the DL today, that market only gets more cramped.

Which brings us to Cole Hamels.

The rumor

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports that the Nationals and Rangers are discussing a deal centered around Cole Hamels, who is past his prime as an ace but could serve as a decent supporting player on the backend of a rotation for a team that really needs it.

Why it makes sense for the Rangers to trade Hamels to the Nationals

The Rangers are sellers at the deadline, and between Hamels’ 2018 performance, his numbers, and his contract situation, he’ll be a tricky piece to move. Add in his no-trade clause, with which he can block trades to two thirds of the league, and he’s a very tricky piece to move.

So for the Rangers, who would like him off their books by the time his $20 million 2019 team option (or $6 million buyout) comes around, the Nationals are a reasonable match who could be a very helpful trade partner if they are open to it.

Why it makes sense for the Nationals to trade for Cole Hamels

Hamels numbers — a 4.36 ERA and one over five since the start of June, a 5.06 FIP, 109.1 innings pitched in 19 games — are teetering on the border of reasonable and worrisome. As Morosi notes in his piece on the talks, Hamels’ summer has not been great and he can blame his fastball command for that.

However, the Naionals need pitching help and especially with Stephen Strasburg dealing with injuries and struggling in his return, any help will do. They’re falling behind the Braves and Phillies in the division and if they want to make sure they make the postseason in what could be Bryce Harper’s last year in town, a move is necessary. Even a risky one like taking on Hamels for a few months.

As it stands if the Rangers are willing to take on a reasonable chunk of Hamels’ $7 million salary for the rest of the year, this might work. But it’s more likely the Nationals will hunt elsewhere for another available option who they don’t have to worry about falling apart as much. They’ll need some luck to do it this year, but this doesn’t seem like a perfect fit this far out from the deadline. Maybe this will be this year’s midnight deadline deal if nothing else comes together.

Rumor grade

Wait ... hold up. Nevermind? Who knows what’s happening behind the scenes. Talks may have happened before now and are simply not happening any longer, or this could be a case of Trade Deadline Telephone skewing rumors.

Let’s give this one a “B-” for now and move on until talks arise between these two teams again or Hamels is connected with another team desperate for pitching support heading into the home stretch.