The Chicago Cubs were reportedly scouting left-handed starting pitcher Cole Hamels during his last start for the Texas Rangers and now the trade rumors are heating up.
Deals are starting to be made across the league and negotiations are ramping up, as Joel Sherman reported the following on the Cubs’ pursuit of Hamels.
Hearing #Cubs are making inroads to try to land Cole Hamels from the #Rangers
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 26, 2018
He followed that up with this.
Between rest of salary this yr plus buyout on 2019 option, Hamels owed roughly $14.2M. Hear that if deal with #Cubs goes thru they will pick up about $4M and give up secondary prospects. But NO deal is in place yet, Cubs just more involved than other suitors.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 26, 2018
Hamels, 34, isn’t the ace you remember from his Philadelphia Phillies days. As a matter of fact his 2018 season has been awful. How bad? Close to Tyler Chatwood bad.
Yeah, and he’s been much better away from the arcade Texas park. But…
Chatwood: 4.73 ERA, 5.38 FIP
Hamels: 4.72 ERA, 5.20 FIP https://t.co/zbY8DVdsQu
— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) July 26, 2018
However, Hamels has been pretty damn good away from Texas.
The other thing that gets you crushed? If you dare to point out Hamels' home/road splits this year, despite the fact that he's been nails on the road, and his home park is among the most homer-friendly in baseball this year. No, it ain't everything, but it's a data point. pic.twitter.com/bY23NtuUoO
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) July 26, 2018
You’re talking about the most HR-friendly ballpark in MLB and that could be a reason as to why Hamels has been terrible.
Also, the drum I'll keep banging: pic.twitter.com/ZpS5QRQZMJ
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) July 26, 2018
The hope is that with a change of scenery for Hamels it leads to better overall results and that a playoff race gives him more motivation.
Earlier today the Toronto Blue Jays traded J.A. Happ to the New York Yankees for Brandon Drury and prospect Billy McKinney. So, the price can’t be too high for Hamels, who is basically a rental pickup as well with his buyout option in place for next year.
Stay tuned to see if this latest link between the Cubs and Hamels actually leads to something.
