If the numerous reports are correct, the Cubs nearly yearlong pursuit of LHP Cole Hamels is over. The Phillies have reportedly traded Cole Hamels to the Rangers. The eight-player deal that includes a lot of money exchanging hands is not official but is expected to be announced Thursday after the teams have reviewed the medicals of all the players involved.
Here is the deal as it was reported Wednesday night:
• Rangers Receive: LHP Cole Hamels, LHP Jake Diekman and cash
• Phillies Receive: LHP Matt Harrison, RHP Jake Thompson, C Jorge Alfaro, OF Nick Williams, RHP Alec Asher and RHP Jerad Eickhoff
The Phillies received four of the Rangers top 13 prospects. According to Baseball America’s pre-season rankings: No. 2: RHP Jake Thompson , No. 3: C Jorge Alfaro, No. 5: OF Nick Williams and No. 13: RHP Alec Asher.
The Rangers received $9.5 million on the remaining money owed to Cole Hamels and the Phillies will take on LHP Matt Harrison’s contract. Matt Harrison is due about $34 million over the next two seasons.
The Rangers were able to acquire Cole Hamels without including 3B/OF Joey Gallo, OF Nomar Mazara or RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez in the package to the Phillies.
• Full Report from Yahoo Sports
• Full Report from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram