Washington Nationals: Five possible starting pitching trade targets

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 11: General manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals looks on during batting practice against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Four of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 11: General manager Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals looks on during batting practice against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Four of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Washington Nationals Cole Hamels
ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 01: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers throws in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 1st, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)

Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels is another big name that’s been surfacing this season as we near the trade deadline. And the Washington Nationals could pounce if the price is right.

The former Philadelphia Phillies ace is 4-8 with a 4.28 ERA in 18 appearances, and the Texas Rangers are dead last in the otherwise competitive American League West.

Hamels put up some nice numbers when he first got to Texas, but he’s had some troubles over the last few seasons, putting up ERA’s over 4 in each of the last two years. He’s also on pace to put up a career high in walks here in 2018.

The problem with Hamels is that he’s 34 years old and still owed $23.5 million this season and $20 million in 2019. The left-hander has been in a steady decline since being sent to the Rangers in July of 2015.

Several other teams including the New York Yankees and the Phillies are interested in acquiring Hamels, so the Rangers will get to choose the best offer.

Unless the Rangers have a particular prospect that they’re enamored with, they’ll sell to the highest bidder. Combine that with the amount Hamels would cost in salary, and it’s unlikely that the Nationals would be interested in the southpaw.

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