Phillies' Hamels: I want to pitch for a team that's trying to win

Cole Hamels is under contract for at least four more seasons, but it's beginning to sound like he would rather earn his money with another team.

Hamels, 30, is among the most coveted pitchers thought to be available this winter, and the market for his services is expected to intensify as the free-agent pool becomes more shallow.

Dealing Hamels and the $96-million salary he's owed would certainly expedite the Philadelphia Phillies' rebuilding efforts, but the lefty's no-trade clause (20 teams) makes Ruben Amaro Jr.'s job even more difficult. What Hamels wants is much simpler.

"To go to a team that wants to win," he told MLB Network Radio on Sunday. "That's the most excitement. Whenever you're in the postseason ... that's what you play the game for."

The Boston Red Sox are rumored to be heavy favorites to land Hamels if he's dealt, given their need for pitching and wealth of high-end prospects. The Red Sox are on Hamels' no-trade list but he will reportedly waive it if his 2019 vesting option is exercised.

Hamels has thrown at least 200 innings in six of his last seven seasons, and is coming off a career-low 2.46 ERA in 2014.