Cole Hamels, who is in his 13th season, was traded to the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Eddie Butler, minor league pitcher Rollie Lacy and a player to be named later.
The trade comes well before the non-waiver deadline on July 31st.
Chicago Cubs Acquire Cole Hamels
Hamels’ Career
Cole Hamels pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies into his 10th season in the majors. He was a NLCS MVP as well as a WS MVP in 2008. That year he was the ace of the staff and had a postseason record of 4-0, an ERA of 1.80, and a K/BB ratio of 30/9. Hamels was traded to the Texas Rangers with Jake Diekman on July 31, 2015 for a multitude of players. Hamels has a career ERA of 3.38 and has over 150 Wins to go along with a sub 1.20 WHIP. He has a team option for next year which will be $20 Million. Hamels also has a vesting option for $24 Million but he would have to pitch 252 innings this year. He also has a $6 million buyout.
Trade Impact
The Cubs get a proven starter who has been durable during his career. He has also been good when the lights are the brightest with a 7-6 record and a 3.48 ERA in his playoff career. Although they gave up a trio of prospects, the Cubs get a starter who can slot in at the top of the rotation and help them for the long haul. He is also controllable for one more year which makes the trade even more valuable. Now the Cubs will have a bona fide starter to help them compete with the Milwaukee Brewers in the fight for the National League Central.
What To Expect
Hamels has been solid this year. He is a veteran and a calming presence on the mound. This could very well help a team like the Cubs and the younger staff members deal with the pressure of a playoff push. Cole Hamels has found success wherever he has pitched. He has also been very consistent whether it was in Philly or Texas. Time will tell if the Cubs got a good deal or they gave up too much of the future for him.
Butler will join the Rangers during their series this weekend in Houston. Lacy, an 11th-round pick in last year’s draft out of Creighton, was assigned to Class A Down East. Butler is 1-1 with a 4.08 ERA in eight appearances this year.
Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
