The Chicago Cubs entered the second half of the season in search of pitching help. After exploring multiple options, it appears Chicago has its sights focused one Cole Hamels.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Chicago has emerged as the front-runner to land the former All-Star pitcher from the Texas Rangers. Hamels has been shopped heavily by Texas since the start of July and should have a new home by Tuesday.
Sources: #Cubs appear front-runner for #Rangers’ Hamels, but #Braves remain in mix, as previously noted by @StevePhillipsGM.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 26, 2018
From the outside, the southpaw’s 4.72 ERA and 1.37 WHIP could leave many with concerns about Hamels in a playoff rotation. However, the 34-year-old has been sharp outside of Globe Life Park in Arlington this season with a 2.93 ERA and .222 batting average allowed in 10 road starts.
Hamels brings plenty of postseason experience to the table. He has made 16 starts in the playoffs and recorded a 3.48 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP in those appearances.
According to the report, the Atlanta Braves also remain in the mix to acquire Hamels. While has a $20 million team option for 2019, any team that lands him will likely exercise the $6 million opt-out clause.
The Rangers are in the middle of a rebuild the organization will likely be happy to net a few prospects for a player that they may want to part ways with in the offseason.