The Cubs just needed anyone to start games instead of Tyler Chatwood by the end of July. The replacement turned out to be Cole Hamels, who didn't just fill in at the back of the rotation, but became another ace that led the Cubs to a 95-win season.
Since he was traded to Chicago you could tell Hamels loved the Cubs. At the time of the acquisition there wasn't really any thought of picking up his $20 million option for 2019, however after his incredible run with the Cubs both sides seem to be in agreement. It's more likely than not that Hamels will be wearing a Cubs uniform in 2019.
Following Tuesday's Wild Card Game loss, Hamels expressed his admiration for the Cubs and said he'd love to return next season.
Hamels, 34, made 12 starts for the Cubs in 2018, posting a 2.36 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 76.1 innings. Just an unbelievable run after his struggles with the Rangers in the first half of the year. Was that enough to convince the Cubs to bring him back? You bet.
Hamels has a $20 million option for next year and his contract also includes a $6 million buyout. So, the Cubs could potentially buy him out and then workout a short-term deal for Hamels that's less than the average of $20 million for one year. If Hamels does indeed come back the Cubs rotation will be in pretty good shape. Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana are locks, while Yu Darvish is expected to return to full strength by spring training. So, that would leave Hamels, Chatwood, Mike Montgomery and Drew Smyly as options for the fifth starter. But it sure does appear as though Hamels will be back in the starting rotation in 2019.
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