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Report: Red Sox have 'no sense of urgency' to trade for Cole Hamels

Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports

Few executives were as busy this winter as Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington, who brokered a series of expensive signings and trades after watching his team finish last in the American League East in 2014.

Despite Cherington's hectic offseason, though, the starting rotation remains an area of weakness for the Red Sox and has prompted loads of speculation that Boston might swap some of their young assets for a premium starter.

Though the Red Sox reportedly made clear to the Philadelphia Phillies their interest in left-hander Cole Hamels, one industry source recently told Sean McAdam of Comcast Sportsnet that Boston has no sense of urgency to broker a deal for the three-time All-Star.

Even after signing Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada earlier this week, the Red Sox remain unwilling to part with either catcher Blake Swihart or outfielder Mookie Betts in a potential trade for Hamels, who has four years and $94 million remaining on his contract with a vesting option for 2019.

Hamels, 31, fashioned a career-best 2.46 ERA (151 ERA+) over 30 starts last season and earlier this winter expressed his desire to be traded to a contender.

"I just want to win,'' Hamels told Bob Nightengale of USA Today. "That's all. That's all any competitor wants.

"And I know it's not going to happen here."

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