Atlanta Braves Sign Cole Hamels
The Atlanta Braves have signed left-handed starting pitcher Cole Hamels. Hamels signed for one year for 18 million dollars. Hamels who is 35 years old will be joining the fourth organization in his career. The signing will be made official after Hamels takes his physical.
Hamels taking physical today. Per source, #Braves’ decision to sign him doesn’t take them out of Bumgarner, but reflects market for him and others might exceed their comfort level. ATL signed Hamels for $18M, right around qualifying offer. Can give him actual QO at end of season.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2019
Hamels Career
In 14 Major League seasons, Hamels has a record of 163-121. Hamels career ERA is 3.42 and his WHIP is 1.183. In 2,694 innings pitched Hamels has struck out 2,558 batters. Hamels is a four-time all-star with his last all-star season coming in 2016. Despite never winning a Cy Young Award or winning 20 games in a season Hamels has had a great career.
Hamels has also been just as good in the playoffs as he has been in the regular season. In fact, he has pitched better. Hamels has a postseason record of 7-6 with a 3.41 ERA and a 1.096 WHIP. Hamels also has struck out 93 batters in 100 career playoff innings. Hamels was part of the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies World Series championship team.
During the 2008 postseason Hamels was tremendous. in five starts Hamels went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA. His last start in Game 5 was suspended due to rain with the scored tied at two. If not for the rain Hamels could have won all five of his starts that postseason. Hamels won both the NLCS and World Series MVP’s that year.
Braves Outlook
The Braves made this move for one reason and that is to win the World Series. Despite the young nucleus in Atlanta, the last two seasons have ended in disappointment. After back to back National League East divisions titles the Braves were knocked out in the first round.
The Braves now have four starting pitchers under contract for the 2020 season. Hamels joins Mike Soroka, Max Fried, and Mike Foltynewicz forming a very good starting rotation. The Braves have also added free-agent closer Will Harris and catcher Travis d’Arnaud.
The signing of Hamels does not take the Braves out of the running for free-agent pitcher Madison Bumgarner or perhaps re-signing Dallas Keuchel. The National League Eastern division was very competitive last season having the defending World Champion Washington Nationals, the New York Mets and the Phillies all looking to make improvements. On the horizon is the Miami Marlins who will be an improved team with lots of young talent in 2020.
