MLB starter Cole Hamels has pitched a grand total of 3.1 innings in the last three seasons, and they all came in 2020.
However, the 39-year-old seems determined to make a comeback, and has already found a new team.
Cole Hamels is signing a minor league deal with the Padres, per @ByRobertMurray pic.twitter.com/tdc8UMtw9o
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 16, 2023
The San Diego Padres understand the value of depth, and are signing the former star to a one-year minor league deal.
The pact has an invitation to spring training, though, so there is an outside chance that Hamels makes the team.
In fact, if the Padres carry a six-man rotation like they are expected to, his chances are even better.
He needs to prove he is behind the shoulder issues that robbed him of the last couple of years, though.
That will be his biggest challenge: in terms of talent and accomplishments, no one can doubt Hamels and his brilliant 3.43 career ERA.
However, if his shoulder doesn’t cooperate, he may have to call it quits.
So far, so good in the spring though: in late January, he threw in front of several teams and his fastball averaged 88-91 mph.
That’s good for early-spring velocity, and with his command, it gives him a nice floor.
The southpaw also has several starters in front of him in the Padres’ pecking order: Blake Snell, Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Nick Martinez, and Seth Lugo are some examples.
In other words, he has some work to do to impress coaches and earn his place on the active roster.
If he does, he will get to enjoy at least one last postseason run on a contending team.
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