Report: Dodgers pursuing Phillies' Cole Hamels

The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly joined the hunt for one of baseball's most sought-after pitchers. 

Los Angeles is pursuing Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.  

A report from the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo on Monday stated that Hamels was willing to waive his no-trade clause to the Red Sox if the team picked up his $20-million club option for 2019.

Hamels is guaranteed $90 million over the next four seasons. His cost certainty, with today's escalating market prices, and high-level performance make him one of the top pitching assets in the game. 

The left-hander has thrown 200-plus innings in five consecutive seasons, and in six of the last seven. Hamels' 20.4 WAR (according to FanGraphs) since 2010 ranks 10th among starting pitchers, and he sports a stellar 3.00 ERA over that stretch. He's a workhorse who has a good control and punches out batters at an above-average rate.

Hamels, 30, was the Phillies' first-round draft pick in 2002 and has spent his entire nine-year career in Philadelphia.