Chicago Cubs made a big move Thursday night, acquiring veteran lefty Cole Hamels from the Texas Rangers, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.
July 25, 2015: Cole Hamels pitches a no-hitter at Wrigley Field in his last start for the Phillies
Three years later… he’s a Cub pic.twitter.com/z9jbIDmg7X
— Bleacher Report MLB (@BR_MLB) July 27, 2018
Chicago desperately needed to add a starting pitcher as the club seeks its fourth consecutive trip to the postseason. Yu Darvish, signed to six-year, $126 million deal in the offseason, has only made nine starts this season. Tyler Chatwood was another winter addition – for $38 million – and has a 4.84 ERA in 18 starts, with 85 walks – 37 more than any other NL starter.
Hamels, 34, is having the worst season of his career – 5-9 with a 4.72 ERA in 20 starts – but has plenty of playoff experience. In 16 career postseason starts, 13 of them with the Phillies, he has a 3.48 ERA.
Cole Hamels saying goodbye to his teammates before joining the #Cubs pic.twitter.com/exWWyf6ft4
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) July 27, 2018
Hamels was the MVP of the 2008 NLCS and World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies. This should help extend the 34 year old’s career. Great move all around.
For Cole Hamels, a deal to Cubs now could pay off big-time in the fall, beyond another possible run through October. He'd be going to the NL; to a pitchers' park; and out of the Rangers' park, where he has a 6.41 ERA this season. He has a 2.93 ERA in road games. FA in the fall.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 26, 2018
