The Chicago Cubs have traded for veteran pitcher Cole Hamels from the Texas Rangers, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News who broke the news first. As reported by Jon Paul Morosi of MLB Network, the Cubs have reached an agreement with the left-handed pitcher, pending the exchange of medical information.
Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan stated that the Rangers will receive right-hander Rollie Lacy, who was pulled from his start on Thursday, along with another player to be announced later. When asked about Hamels after Thursday’s game, Cubs manager Joe Maddon mentioned that his teams have had challenges facing the left-hander. Hamels, the World Series MVP in 2008, led the Phillies to victory in a 5-game series.
“He’s been pretty impressive. I’ve had my eye on him for a while. He’s performed well in crucial games against teams I’ve been with. He’s a fierce competitor. Not only does he have the talent, but he also knows how to strategize on the field. I’d say he’s quite a skilled left-handed pitcher in the Major Leagues,” Maddon praised.
It seems like Hamels enjoys pitching at Wrigley Field, where he threw a no-hitter in 2015 during his final game for the Phillies before moving to the Rangers. This marked the first time the Cubs were held hitless since Sandy Koufax of the Dodgers did so in 1965. Hamels holds a 3-1 record with a 1.76 ERA in his six starts at Wrigley Field.
This season, the 34-year-old southpaw sports a 5-9 record with a 4.72 ERA in 20 starts. Hamels struggled with a 1-7 record and high ERA in 10 starts at Globe Life Park in Arlington, allowing 16 home runs. However, he has shown improvement with a 4-2 record and a 2.93 ERA in his recent ten starts.
