There are apparently rumors swirling that Chicago Cubs pitcher Cole Hamels is considering retirement after the 2019 campaign. Don’t believe them.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Cole Hamels finds himself with an uncertain future after this season. He is in the final year of the eight year, $173 million extension that had been signed prior to the 2012 campaign, set to enter free agency for the first time following the coming season. Even then, as Hamels will be turning 36 years old before the end of the year, his services may not be in as hot demand as they would normally seem to be, given the slow crawl of free agency over the past two offseasons.
The uncertainty of free agency, combined with Hamels’ age, has led to the thought that he could retire at the end of the season. Hamels quickly put that thought to rest, saying that he is interested in pitching for at least another decade.
Asked if he might retire after the 2019 season, Cole Hamels emphatically said "Hell no!" Said his goal is to pitch until he's 45. "I played with Jamie Moyer."
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 27, 2019
While his overall performance in 2018 may not appear that great, those numbers are somewhat skewed by his time with the Rangers. Overall, Hamels posted a 9-12 record with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.264 WHiP, striking out 188 batters against 65 walks in 190.2 innings.
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However, after his acquisition by the Chicago Cubs on July 27, Hamels looked like a completely different pitcher. He was back to being a dominant ace, posting a 2.36 ERA and a 1.100 WHiP, striking out 74 batters against 23 walks over his 76.2 innings. Hamels was able to be that ace that the Cubs needed as they sought to reach the postseason once again.
With the Cubs essentially standing pat this offseason, claiming that their financial situation precluded their being able to make any major moves, Hamels will be all the more important. He will be one of the pitchers at the front of the rotation, a dependable option that can take the ball every fifth day and deliver.
If Hamels produces another strong season, it would not make any sense for him to walk away in the first place. His services would still be in demand, even if he would not get the type of contract that may have been available two or three years ago. Retirement, even after a somewhat down year, just would not make sense.
Cole Hamels feels that he has plenty left in the tank, both for the Chicago Cubs this year and beyond. Retirement just does not make sense.