Cole Hamels will be heading to the Chicago Cubs in a trade from the Texas Rangers, so long as everyone involved passes their physicals.
Multiple reporters said Thursday evening that the two sides had finalized the deal centered around the southpaw pitcher. Yahoo’s Jeff Passan says Texas is sending a “significant amount” of money in the deal to cover Hamels’ salary and that they will receive prospects in return.
Sources: The Chicago Cubs have a deal to acquire Cole Hamels from the Texas Rangers, who will receive minor leaguers in return. Texas sending a significant amount of cash to cover Hamels’ salary. Hamels gives the Cubs rotation depth and an October-tested veteran arm.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 27, 2018
The 34-year-old pitcher had been tied to the Cubs in trade talks recently, so this outcome is not surprising.
Hamels has seen his ERA rise to 4.74 after getting bombed in his last five starts. But he has been better on the road than at home, which gives the Cubs hope about his anticipated performance with them.
The Cubs will now add Hamels to a rotation that includes Jon Lester, Jose Quintana, Kyle Hendricks, Yu Darvish (when healthy), and Tyler Chatwood. Replacing Chatwood in the rotation is a big help.
Hamels is owed the remainder of his $22.5 million salary for 2018 and has a $6 million buyout for 2019.
