Former Texas Ace May Go Back Where We Got Him From
How’d He Get Here?
Cole Hamels came to the great state of Texas just a few short years removed from a World Series championship in Philadelphia. He was coming off a few down years and got a fresh start at just the right time.
Lone Star State of Mind
After being acquired in a trade from the Phillies, Hamels was out to prove he still had plenty left in the tank. He started that mission with the Rangers in 2015. Going 7-1 in 12 starts and posting a 3.66 ERA, Hamels made an impact immediately.
How Good Was He?
After being traded during the 2015 regular season, Cole went on to help the Rangers grab their 6th division title and 7th postseason appearance since the franchise started. He opened the season for Texas in 2016 and went on to get an All-Star nod after posting a 15-5 record in 32 starts with a 3.32 ERA
Where is He Now?
Hamels left the Rangers in 2018 and headed to the Cubs. He posted a 3.78 ERA that season between the 2 teams. He went back to the post season that year grabbing 2 scoreless innings during Chicago’s wild card defeat by the Rockies. Recently, he’s been with the Braves battling some injuries.
The Showcase
Hamels recently held his own showcase in Frisco, Texas to let the rest of the league know he’s still got it. Many teams seem to think the same thing as a reported 20 plus teams attended the event. He’s continuing to make his presence known on the mound and keeps being the subject of rumors linking him to one team in specific.
Homeward Bound
So which team keeps getting handcuffed to Hamels in acquisition talks? Teams such at the St. Louis Cardinals and LA Dodgers have reportedly shown serious interest. But the very team that sent the ace to Texas.,The Philadelphia Phillies, have been linked to Cole as the next and maybe final stop in his career.
Can the Phillies Use Him?
The Phils currently have Wheeler as their resident ace at Citizens bank Park. Aaron Nola has had an off season while Eflin and Valasquez have been somewhat inconsistent. Adding a veteran arm to the pen would probably help Philadelphia and Hamels may also welcome the reunion if only for nostalgia and another pay day.
Are the Rangers an Option?
The Texas Rangers are certainly familiar with Hamels after a successful stint with the team several years ago. They could offer him a spot in the rotation, though he’ll likely be looking to join a contender. He’s still got more to give to baseball but he is 37 coming off injury with the Braves and the Rangers just got a shiny new toy during the draft.