Chicago Cubs: Looking at players in their final contract years

Chicago Cubs: There are questions going forward about multiple starters, but only one who will be a UFA.

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The Cubs picked up the option of Cole Hamels this season and will be making $20 million this season. Hamels is one of the highest paid players on the roster this year behind Jon Lester and Jason Heyward.

There is some controversy over this move. Most wanted Hamels back, but on a restructured new deal after declining the expensive option. Hamels thrived in Chicago last year after being acquired from the Texas Rangers, pitching to a 2.36 ERA, 1.1 WHIP, 3.42 FIP and 74 strikeouts in 12 starts. He is a career 3.40 ERA and 1.2 WHIP pitcher in 13 MLB seasons, including a 1.65 career ERA at Wrigley Field.

Hamels just turned 35 and if he pitches decently in 2019, the Cubs could very well consider opening the door to a new deal afterward on the right price/years. While he has had a few rough patches he has overall been durable and fairly consistent throughout his career. Right now it feels like it can go either way with him. Time will tell what his future beyond 2019 is.