Yankees want Hamels, but top prospects off limits
Club reportedly inquires about ace's availability, but won't trade Severino, Judge, Mateo, Bird
ARLINGTON -- The Yankees have inquired about the availability of Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels, but they are unwilling to part with several of the organization's top prospects, according to multiple reports.
CBS Sports and FOX Sports have reported that the Yankees are telling teams that they have four untouchable players in their farm system: right-hander Luis Severino, outfielder Aaron Judge, shortstop Jorge Mateo and first baseman Greg Bird -- their top four prospects, according to MLB.com.
The Yanks' reluctance to deal those players vaults the Dodgers and Rangers into the lead to acquire the 31-year-old Hamels, who pitched a no-hitter on Saturday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Video: PHI@CHC: Hamels gets Bryant for final out of no-no
Other teams connected to Hamels have included the Cubs, the Giants and the Red Sox. Hamels is 6-7 with a 3.64 ERA in 20 starts this season, and he is due $23.5 million in each of the next three years, plus a $20 million option for 2019.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has said that the team is interested in adding pitching to supplement Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda and CC Sabathia in the rotation, but not at a significant cost in terms of players.
The Yanks had some contact with the Reds about Johnny Cueto before he was dealt to the Royals on Sunday, and they continue to monitor the situation with the Tigers and David Price, though initial indications are that Detroit still believes it can compete for a playoff spot.