On Friday I just assumed that the Phillies would engage the Padres in talks about trading Cole Hamels. What with San Diego acquiring every player who isn’t nailed down, their ability to do that without yet giving up their top prospects in a trade, the Phillies’ desire to move Hamels and, finally, because Hamels is from San Diego and his no-trade list does not include the Padres.
It has apparently gone from mere speculation to actual talk: Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News reports that the Padres have had discussions with the Phillies regarding their ace lefty. Any deal would likely revolve around a position player prospect, as the Phillies have very few of those. Lawrence suggests that the newly-acquired Wil Myers could fit the bill. Yes, the Padres just got him, but they have a glut of outfielders at the moment and Myers is not a likely candidate to be a good center fielder, even if the Padres are suggesting he might be. Flipping him and something else for Hamels makes sense for everyone.