PHILADELPHIA – So much for the Phillies planning on keeping ace left-hander Cole Hamels.

If an intriguing package of prospects is offered, the three-time All-Star could be among several veterans moved before baseball's July 31 trade deadline from a last-place ball club that's looking to get younger.

According to The Boston Globe, the Red Sox recently have been scouting Hamels and the Phillies have been keeping close tabs on the Red Sox' farm system.

This report contradicted a report made last Friday by Rob Bradford of WEEI that stated, "According a major league source, the Phillies are currently showing no inclination to trade Cole Hamels."

According to Globe reporter Nick Cafardo, "The Phillies have been discouraged by what they're hearing from other teams on Hamels. The Phillies consider him their biggest trade chip, but will hold on to him if they don't get what they consider a fair deal.

"The Red Sox sent their top pitching scout, Eddie Bane, to watch Hamels before the break. The Phillies have scouted the Red Sox’ major and minor league teams all season.

"One major league source said if the Phillies get a taker on the full contract and they get three top prospects, he's gone, and Hamels, according to another major league source, wouldn't mind."

Hamels being available isn't surprising, but a deal to the Red Sox would be because they're currently last in the AL East with a 46-52 record.

Other teams that could make a run at Hamels include the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Hamels, 30, is in the second season of six-year, $144 million contract. His 4-5 record this season is disappointing, but he’s pitched to a 2.83 ERA that is 16th best among NL qualifiers and he has 117 strikeouts in 116 1/3 innings.