And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, hoping Cole Hamels would be deposited in there.
Such is the holiday song for Cub fans.
The Cubs did sign a starting pitcher, but not that one.
Jason Hammel has struck a two-year, $20MM to return to the Cubs, according to
reports. The deal includes a club option for a third season, with a $2MM
buyout included as part of the aforementioned guarantee.
Hammel signed a one-year deal with the Cubs last February, at $6 million, then
enjoyed a strong half-season in Chicago before heading to Oakland in the Jeff Samardzija
deal. Hammel enjoyed great success a Cub starter (8-5, 2.98 ERA), but was terrible in pitcher friendly Oakland (2-6, 4.26 ERA).
Hammel significantly improved his strikeout rate (8.1 K/9, to go with
a 3.47 ERA and 2.2 BB/9) in 2014 following a down season with the
Orioles, and he pitched 176 1/3 innings, his highest total since 2010.
This offseason, Hammel had been
connected to the Marlins, Royals and Astros, along with the Cubs.
This is what we projected this off-season: the Cubs continuing to target second tier pitchers who have the ability to rebound their careers, and be possible trade bait in July. A two year deal gives the Cubs the option of trading Hammel next winter. Hammel is a known Cub commodity so this pick up was not unexpected or unusual.He had a 3.1 WAR last season, which puts him near the top of the current rotation.
