Well, the Braves hot offseason continues as the Braves signed left handed pitcher Cole Hamels to a 1-year, $18 million contract last week. This contract is reflective of the 1-year, $23 million contract 3B Josh Donaldson signed for the 2019 season. A one year stop gap at third, and if he did well, doors would open to possibly bring him back. This is exactly what is happening to Donaldson as he finished the 2019 campaign with an average of .259, 37 homeruns, and 94 RBIs. Donaldson is in contracts talks with the Braves, Dodgers, and other teams for a longer contract. Possible two to four years for roughly 50 to 75 millions dollars. But back to Hamels.
The previous two years Hamels was wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform where he went 7-7 with a ERA of 3.81 for the 2019 campaign. For his career at age 35, 36 once the season starts, he is 163 -121 with an ERA of 3.42. The good thing about Hamels contract, is it could just be a stop gap until the younger prospects are ready to move up, or he could play well and pursue an extended contract with the Braves or another team. Hamels resume is stout as he has played for three other teams. The Philadelphia Phillies (2006 – 2015), Texas Rangers (2015 – 2018), Chicago Cubs (2018 -2019). Hamels is a 4x All-Star going to the big game in 2007, 2011, 2012, and 2016. He also helped the Phillies win a World Series in 2008 where he was World Series MVP as well as the NLCS MVP. Hamels brings leadership to the Braves and will play a role to the starting staff like Dallas Keuchel did for the Braves in 2019.
In other news:
– The Braves are still in the market for another starting pitcher and still pursuing San Francisco Giants free agent pitcher Madison Bumgarner.
-Braves also need a big bat in the fourth spot and are still in contract talks with 3B Donaldson. If Donaldson doesn’t work out, trade talks could loom in trading for 3B Kris Bryant. If the big bat and 3B talks fall short, look for utility player Johan Comargo and 3B/LF Austin Riley to compete for the hot corner.
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