Chicago Cubs Rumors: Team “will surely” pick up Cole Hamels option

Chicago Cubs: From his debut on, Hamels was lights-out in Chicago

In late July, Texas sat more than 20 games out of first in the highly competitive American League West and with Hamels struggling, decided to part ways with the 2008 World Series champion.

Through his five starts leading up to the trade, the southpaw struggled badly, pitching to an earned run average north of 10.00. Most teams, especially contenders, seemed to think Hamels could benefit from getting out of Arlington, where he served up home runs at an alarming rate.

But, when the dust settled, Chicago came out on top.

"“We had over the course of a month, I believe there were six teams that inquired and there were four teams in earnest that we were talking to as late as yesterday,” Texas Rangers GM Jon Daniels said. “It was a situation where we thought the time was right, we thought the deal made sense. We were comfortable."

The Cubs sent right-hander Eddie Butler, prospect Rollie Lacy and a player to be named later to Texas in exchange for Hamels. Really, the deal was a win-win on both sides. The Rangers are seemingly focused on restocking young, controllable arms and Chicago badly needed a consistent piece to round out the rotation.