Cole Hamels is expected to host a showcase for potential suitors later this month – Phillies Nation

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Cole Hamels is a Phillies icon. (Derik Hamilton / Icon Sportswire)

Philadelphia Phillies icon Cole Hamels will host a showcase for potential suitors later this month in Texas, according to Jon Heyman of Audacity Sports.

Heyman says Hamels will launch for those interested on July 16. That would allow the four-time All-Star to sign with a squad from mid-July to the end of July, and could have an impact in a not-so-different pennant race. to what Pedro Martinez did with the Phillies in 2009.

Now 37, Hamels was limited to just 3 1/3 innings in the 2020 season as a member of the Atlanta Braves due to left arm and shoulder injuries. Given that the Braves were leading 3-1 in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers at one point, it’s not impossible that they would have won the World Series if Hamels – who signed a one-year contract / $ 18 million – could have made an impact.

An oblique injury cost Hamels about five starts in 2019, but he still posted a 3.81 ERA and 4.09 PIF in 141 2/3 innings for the Chicago Cubs. This type of production could appeal to a team needing a starter at the end of the rotation. If you want to be really idealistic, just three years ago Hamels posted a 2.36 ERA and a 3.42 PIF in 12 starts after the Cubs acquired him from the Texas Rangers.

Hamels – who pitched 2,698 career regular-season innings – may have been caught up by his father’s time. However, it is also possible that by trying to start only part of the season, Hamels could remain healthier than he did in 2020.

Could the Phillies be a contender? You’d think they’ll at least attend his showcase, as they could definitely use another reliable starter pitcher. Hamels recently listed his Newtown Square home for $ 2.5 million, but that wouldn’t really stop him from coming back for a few months. After all, Hamels spoke of a desire to return to where he spent the first nine and a half seasons of his career two offseason before finally landing with the Braves.

At the same time, Hamels must recognize that even though his plan is to launch beyond 2021, there are no guarantees at this point. As he looks to win his second World Series title, Hamels could very well have more qualified contenders than the team he won the 2008 World Series MVP with.

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