Report: Rangers re-engage Phillies over trade discussions involving Hamels

The Texas Rangers appear to be back at Philadelphia's doorstep asking about a Cole Hamels trade.

The Rangers, who have shown interest in the veteran, eased off conversations after they were reluctant to give up quality prospects while eating a huge chunk of Hamels's contract.

But according to Texas general manager Jon Daniels, Hamels is the type of pitcher his team is looking for now, and in the future. With that in mind, he's leaving a crack in the door for the Phillies to peruse the minors for a player or two.

"Most of the guys we talked about are multi-year fits," Daniels told reporters Friday. "From an acquisition standpoint, guys that fit now and fit into our offseason plan. If we were to acquire starting pitching, it would much more (be) looking at players beyond this year."

Hamels will turn 32 this coming offseason, and is signed through 2018 at $22.5 million per year. He also has a $24-million option for the 2019 season.

With the trade deadline less than a week away, Hamels, who was brutal in his last two starts, will have one more crack at showing teams he's worth a hefty return.

Hamels is 5-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 19 starts this season, allowing 14 runs in 6 1/3 innings over his last two starts. There doesn't appear to be an imminent trade on the table, though Daniels made it clear he won't pull the trigger unless a deal helps his club now, and down the road.

"We have had conversations with clubs, and it's possible we could make a trade by the end of next week," Daniels said. "But making a trade is not the goal. We'll make a trade only if it helps us. I am not going to handicap it."