D-backs’ La Russa confirms interest in Philly’s Cole Hamels
Jul 29, 2015, 2:22 PM | Updated: 3:52 pm
(AP Photo/Matt Marton)
The trade deadline in Major League Baseball is approaching quickly, and the Arizona Diamondbacks, at least at the moment, appear to be buyers.
Rumors circulated earlier this week that the D-backs are talking to the Philadelphia Phillies about starting pitcher Cole Hamels and to the Cincinnati Reds about reliever Aroldis Chapman.
Both rumors raised eyebrows due to the fact that the D-backs are still under .500 and trading for veteran talent this year would seem to be in conflict to what the organization stated earlier this season when it traded Bronson Arroyo and prospect Touki Toussaint to the Atlanta Braves.
Chief baseball officer Tony La Russa didn’t give too much detail, but did confirm that general manager Dave Stewart is speaking with both teams.
“Stew is actively talking to several clubs,” La Russa told Doug and Wolf Wednesday morning on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “There are some serious discussions going on. I think Philadelphia — we’ve talked about Hamels, I don’t think that’s divulging anything. I know he’s talked to the Cincinnati Reds about their pitching — not about Johnny Cueto anymore — but they’ve got more pitching left.”
Hamels, in particular, while pricey, does fit what the D-backs are looking for in a potential trade for a veteran player.
“Is there something not for just the second half of 2015, but will help us beyond,” La Russa said.
Hamels, who is being pursued by many teams, is 6-7 this season with a 3.64 ERA for the Phillies, who own the worst record in baseball. Last Saturday, he threw his first career no-hitter in a 5-0 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Phillies have reportedly told interested parties that they want their best offers by Wednesday at the latest.
Hamels has three years and $67.5 million remaining on his current deal — plus an option year that includes a $6 million buyout.
The trade deadline hits at 1:00 p.m. Phoenix time Friday afternoon.
Chapman, 27, remains one of the most feared relievers in baseball. The Cuban left-hander, who is routinely clocked over 100 mph on his fastball, has saved 20 games for the Reds while posting a 1.69 ERA, a 1.219 WHIP and 75 strikeouts in 42.2 innings this year. He’s a four-time All-Star who is arbitration-eligible following the 2015 season.
La Russa indicated that Stewart’s conversations haven’t been limited to Philadelphia and Cincinnati.
“I know he’s talking to two or three other clubs, but those haven’t been as public, so I don’t want to be the guy that talks about it. All I do is second-guess the general manager, I’m not the general manager,” La Russa joked.