Hamels Blocks Trade to Astros

Trade season.

Things have gotten quite interesting on the trade front. Cole Hamels is officially off the board as he will now be suiting up with the Rangers. But, that move did not come without drama.

It's been a back and forth race for Hamels according to some of the national writers as there has been consistent rumors for the last few days that both the Rangers and Astros were making a strong push to trade for Hamels. However, that all came down to one very important clause in Hamels contract.

The No-Trade Clause.

Hamels apparently vetoed a trade to the Astros per Bob Nightingale.

The Houston #Astros had put together a strong package #Phillies Cole Hamels, but he exercised his no-trade rights, and ends up w #Rangers.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 30, 2015

Considering that the Rangers sent three Top 100 prospects in RHP Jake Thompson, C Jorge Alfaro, and OF Nick Williams in addition to Triple A right-handers Jerad Eickhoff and Alec Asher, the package had to be quite sizable. The Rangers also sent Matt Harrison in the deal.

The addition of reliever Jake Diekman and what is sure to be significant cash makes it a more balanced trade, but the price of the three main prospects is quite a haul for the Phillies.

However, the Astros are not out of options as it appears they are serious about the possibility of adding Detroit Tigers' LHP David Price.

Sources: #Dodgers, #BlueJays, #SFGiants, and #Astros all talking with #Tigers on David Price.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2015

Price's contract expires at the end of the season which will allow for his price tag to be much smaller but will still be higher than it was to acquire Scott Kazmir.