Cole Hamels signs with Braves

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Wednesday, December 4, 2019 12:43 PM

The Braves are getting a solid pitcher in Hamels (Eric Hartline - USA Today Sports)

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Cole Hamels has found a new home in the National League.

Hamels has signed a one-year deal worth $18 million with the Atlanta Braves.

Reportedly, up to six teams were interested in Hamels late last night but he has decided to ink with the Braves.

Hamels had a 7-7 record with a 3.81 ERA with 143 strikeouts and 1.39 WHIP with the Cubs last season. He had a 2.98 ERA before the all-star break and 5.79 ERA in 42 innings before shutting it down with an injury.

In 2018, he had a 2.36 ERA in 12 starts after being traded from Texas.

During his two-year stint with the Cubs, he had an 11-10 record with a 3.30 ERA with 217 strikeouts.

The Cubs still have a solid core of four starters in Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks, Jon Lester, and José Quintana.

The Cole Hamels deal makes a lot of sense for Atlanta. Durable, excellent makeup, stuff hasn't lagged as he has aged. And because he has never been given a qualifying offer, Atlanta could QO him and either get a draft pick or a return engagement if he has another strong season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 4, 2019