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With the way he played for them in the bottom right, it seemed like a good chance for the Cubs to choose the $ 20 million option on the Cole Hamels deal. Nevertheless, this represents a lot of pay for a pitcher who is preparing for his 35 year season, especially if the urge to choose the option is based on only 12 starts.
Theo Epstein and his company became creative.
The Hamels contract provided for a $ 6 million buyback if the option was refused, and the Rangers – who had traded it to the Cubs last July – were about to accept it, in accordance to the trade agreement. How could Cubs reduce costs while keeping Hamels? That's where the answer lies.
The Cubs traded Drew Smyly and a player who will be named later among the Rangers against a player who will be named later on Friday and who has chosen Hamels' option. Smyly missed all of 2018 after being operated on by Tommy John. The Cubs had signed it for a two year deal worth $ 10 million last season. The agreement is however overdue and Smyly earns $ 7 million in 2019.
Essentially, with this move, the Rangers pay a million dollars more than they would pay if the Cubs refused the Hamels option while getting Smyly. The Cubs keep Hamels for $ 13 million instead of $ 20 million.
Smyly, 29, was 7-12 with an average of 4.88 (82 +) in 2016. Previously, he averaged 3.24 in 395 innings. There have always been benefits, but we have not seen a real escape yet. He will try to make this possible for the Rangers in 2019.
Hamels, 34, was 9-12 with a points average of 3.78 last year, but averaged 2.36, 1.10 free-kicks and 74 outs on catches in 76 innings and 1/3 with the Cubs after being treated.
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