Chicago Cubs Rumors: Team has sights set on veteran Cole Hamels

Chicago Cubs Rumors: Dig a little deeper to see the merit

When you tell someone the solution to a shaky rotation is a struggling left-hander in his mid-30s, you’re bound to get some looks.

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But it’s not out of the realm of possibility. On the year, Hamels carries a less-than-savory 4.72 ERA – a career-worst. Pair that with a 1.373 WHIP (also a career-high, and not in a good way) and 1.8 home runs allowed per nine and you see why folks aren’t overly keen on such a move.

Back in the day, Hamels was the toast of the National League. From 2007 to 2012, the southpaw averaged 31 starts per year for the Phillies, putting up a 3.26 ERA, 3.54 FIP and 1.127 WHIP, winning 82 games in the process.

Of course, this coincided with Philadlephia’s back-to-back World Series appearances, including a 2008 title. Hamels earned NLCS and World Series MVP honors that year, thanks to a dominant showing on the hill.

In the last three years, though, things trended in the wrong direction in Texas. Since 2016, Hamels carries a 4.48 FIP and 1.289 WHIP through 76 starts with the Rangers. This year has by far been his worst, but it might just be playing in Arlington that’s really plaguing the lefty.