Report: Padres have had discussions about trade for Phillies' Cole Hamels

San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller has been extremely busy revamping his roster this offseason, and he may have one more trick up his sleeve.

The Padres have engaged in talks with the Philadelphia Phillies about acquiring left-hander Cole Hamels, according to Ryan Lawrence of the Daily News.

Lawrence learned through a source that Preller would use newly-acquired outfielder Wil Myers as the centerpiece of a potential deal. In a conflicting report published Monday by Dennis Lin of U-T San Diego, a source denies the Padres are planning to move Myers.

Hamels, who has four years and $96 million in salary remaining on his current contract, grew up in San Diego, so it's hard to imagine he wouldn't welcome a trade there. His career 1.78 ERA at Petco Park suggests he would be a successful front-end starter for the Padres.

USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale is reporting the Padres are one of nine teams Hamels, who has a 20-team no-trade list, can be dealt to without his permission. The New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are the only American League teams that don't need approval.

The Phillies are reportedly seeking three top prospects in exchange for their 30-year-old ace. That likely means Preller would have to part with one of his prized prospects, such as Austin Hedges, Matt Wisler or Hunter Renfroe.

Preller has already pulled the trigger on deals to bring Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Derek Norris, Will Middlebrooks and Myers to San Diego. He also signed free-agent righty Brandon Morrow to a one-year deal to round out the back end of his rotation.