Chicago Cubs: Cole Hamels says he has a lot left in the tank

The Cubs pulled a bit of a shocker this off-season, exercising Cole Hamels’ option worth $20 million. The shock wasn’t so much that they kept Hamels around; it was how the Cubs did it.

The thought was the Cubs would decline his 2019 option and bring Cole Hamels back on a lesser deal, mainly due to the Ricketts’ perceived “money problems.” The Ricketts’ also ducked the fans at Cubs Convention this year, not even bothering to answer questions about organizational operations this winter.

Hamels was acquired right before the trade deadline last year in exchange for Eddie Butler, Rollie Lacy, and Alexander Ovalles.

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With the Cubs, Hamels made 12 starts with a 2.36 ERA. In 76 1/3 innings, he gave up just 61 hits, struck out 74, and recorded a 3.42 FIP. We wrote earlier in the off season that keeping Hamels around was the right decision.

Not only does he shore up the rotation, but he also brings more valuable experience and leadership to the clubhouse, the latter being something the Cubs seemed to be missing in 2018.

MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand sent a tweet reporting that Hamels has no plans of retiring any time soon.  He wants to go until he’s 45, so it’s feasible that the Cubs keep him around beyond this year if he has success this season. Of course, that is if the Ricketts decide to open up the checkbook again.

Hamels has been known for his durability. In May, Hamels is scheduled to make his 400th career start. Jon Lester is another Cub on pace to make his 400th start in 2019. The Cubs’ rotation has no shortage of experience, Kyle Hendricks is the least experienced starter, and this will be his fifth full major league season.

Hamels has the stuff to last a while, as his changeup is his out pitch, and his fastball doesn’t ever get higher than 93-94. He has posted eight seasons of 200 or more innings, so he’s durable enough to get to 45!

In 16 postseason starts, he has a 3.41 ERA in 100 innings, striking out 93, giving up just 83 hits. Oh, not to mention that World Series Championship with the Phillies in 2008.

The bottom line is this, Hamels has been a productive MLB pitcher for well over a decade now. If he keeps putting up good, productive seasons, teams will keep taking chances on him. If Hamels wants to pitch until his mid-40s, that’s up to his performance.