Report: Cubs one of favorites to land All-Star pitcher |
The MLB trading season is about to be upon us.
The Texas Rangers have already informed teams that they are willing to sell off some of their veteran players since they have laid an egg with a 17-28 season and sit in last place in the AL West. USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale reported on Friday afternoon on Twitter that the Cubs are one of several teams in the mix for former All-Star lefty pitcher Cole Hamels. "Now that the Texas #Rangers are officially open for business as @Ken_Rosenthal reported, the five most likely landing spots for Cole Hamels: The #Brewers,#Cubs,#Yankees,#Phillies and #Dbacks," Nightengale posted. He has a no-trade clause with over 20 teams but the Cubs are not on the list. He comes at a high price as he is owed $22.5 million for 2018 and under contract for one more season at $20 million, with a $6 million buyout. In 2018, the 34-year old has a 2-4 record with 3.48 ERA, 57 strikeouts, and 1.28 WHIP in nine starts. In his last four starts, he is 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA. Since the beginning of the 2017 season, he has a 4.01 ERA in 199.2 innings pitched. An acquisition for Hammel by the Cubs would be unexpected but he could be attained by a moderate price compared to the likes of some of the superstars that might hit in the market in the upcoming month or two. If the Cubs get any injuries to their starters, I could see Hammel showing up in Chi-Town soon. For his 12-year MLB career, he is 149-106 with a sparkling 3.37 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.
