Cole Hamels rumors are heating up and they are only going to get hotter as the summer moves forward. With the Rangers having one of the worst records in baseball at 19-31, this team is going nowhere fast - especially being in the same division as the cross-town rival Houston Astros. It seems to be just a matter of time before the Rangers deal Hamels, but to where and when is the question.

Yankees ready to deal?

Anything short of a World Championship for the New York Yankees in 2018 is going to be a disappointment. The Bombers are off to a great start, however, as the old saying goes, you just cannot have enough pitching - especially in the American League.

So are the Yankees possibly eyeing a deal to acquire Hamels? Absolutely. Can they obtain him before July 4? Only if Hamels wants to play in NYC.

According to a CBS Sports report, Hamels has a no-trade clause to several teams. Actually, his list seems to include two-thirds of the league. However, according to this report, the Rangers are making it known that they are definitely listening to offers for the lefty. Hamels can block trades to several contenders, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Milwaukee Brewers - amongst several other teams. That being said, it doesn’t mean that he would refuse a trade to any of those teams.

Hamels recently explained why he has a no-trade clause and what it really means to him.

"It's just a list. Really, it's just kind of like heads-up. So I think what it really comes down to is it's something that's there. It just kind of provides a little bit more information, a little bit more bargaining power.”

Hamels also went on to say that he is open to all opportunities, especially if it involves a team that is on its way to playing October baseball - like the New York Yankees.

The NY Post recently reported that the former World Series MVP seemed very open to accepting a deal to play in the Bronx. While he didn’t come right out and say it, he did mention how important it is to him to “win every game” he starts and plays as ”a contender” as often as possible.

Old form returns

One thing that makes Hamels a hot commodity this season is his hot start to the season.

Despite just a 3-4 record, Hamels owns a 3.38 ERA and a 9.82 strikeout per 9 inning ratio, which is his highest strikeout rate since his heyday with the Philadelphia Phillies. What he also can bring to the table is a pitcher who has playoff and World Series experience. Hamels had a great postseason run in 2008, which led him to be named the World Series MVP with the Philadelphia Phillies.

It seems like only a matter of time before a deal is struck to trade Hamels and right now, at least through the media, it seems like the Yankees and Hamels have a mutual interest in joining forces.
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