Cubs want to retain Cole Hamels
Cole Hamels proved to be a huge addition for the Chicago Cubs down the stretch, and they’d like to keep him in the organization.
Cubs president Theo Epstein said in his end-of-season press conference Wednesday that the team loved having Hamels around and hope to find a way to retain him for 2019.
When Theo was asked if he'd like to bring back Cole Hamels: "Absolutely. Cole was such a breath of fresh air for us. Made an unbelievable impression."
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) October 3, 2018
Hamels posted a 2.36 ERA in 12 starts after moving over from the Texas Rangers, and endeared himself to Cubs fans by shading the Milwaukee Brewers. He has a $20 million team option for 2019. The Cubs will have to decide if they’re willing to pay that price or want to try to bring him back on a lesser deal.