Cubs Rumors: Chicago Linked To Cole Hamels, Trade A Possibility?

The Chicago Cubs' front office has shown willingness to be aggressive when it comes to stocking the team with front-line talent, and that could be the same tact which eventually lands them Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels via trade.

According to the Chicago Sun Times' Gordon Wittenmyer, "Major League sources say the Cubs have continued to touch base with the Phillies on Cole Hamels, even as Hamels chatter has quieted since March – though some insiders believe a team like the Red Sox is more likely to get aggressive and/or desperate enough to swing a deal for the left-hander."

One hold-up could be the veteran lefty's pricey contract, which still has three years and $67.5 million on it after this season, along with an incentive-based option for $20 million in 2019.

However, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has been adamant that Philadelphia could subsidize the deal financially if a team caves to his demands for an absolute haul of talent and prospects.

“We are open-minded,” Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said to USA Today. “We’re not afraid to subsidize contracts. We never told a club that we would not absolutely subsidize his contract. If there’s a deal to be made, we’ll do it.”

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