MLB Trade News: Cole Hamels becomes First Pitcher to be Traded after a No-Hitter

The Philadelphia Phillies have decided to trade their ace Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers, sources told the Associated Press. The 31-year-old lefty has become the first pitcher to ever get traded immediately after throwing a no-hitter.

"He's definitely a great pitcher," Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland said Wednesday. "Obviously watched the no-hitter the other day, pretty impressive. He's got a long track record of great success. It will be huge for us."

Hamels threw a no-hitter on Saturday night against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. His record this season so far is 6-7 with a 3.64 ERA.

The 2008 World Series MVP has been integral for the Phillies, particularly between 2007 and 2011 when he helped lead them to five straight NL East Titles, two pennants and a World Series.

"He's been here a long time, but that's baseball," Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz said. "Definitely it's sad when you're around one of your teammates for a long time and then they have to go away."

The Phillies are currently in the process of rebuilding. On Tuesday, they traded their closer, Jonathan Papelbon to the Washington Nationals. More players are expected to be on the move as well.

Hamels still has three years left on his six-year, $144 million contract, which includes a club option for the 2019 season. The option is worth $20 million or a $6 million buyout. However, it becomes guaranteed if Hamels throws at least 400 innings in 2017-18, at least 200 innings in 2018 and is not on the disabled list with an elbow or left shoulder injury by the end of the 2018 season.

Hamels is owed $22.5 million per year through to 2018.

The deadline to trade players without the need to secure waivers is this Friday, July 31.