Phillies: Will Cole Hamels be another boomerang acquisition?

Phillies fans have endured nine straight seasons without a playoff appearance, the second longest playoff drought in baseball (sorry Seattle, 19 seasons seems like an eternity). With the signing of Bryce Harper in February of 2019, there was renewed hope on Broad St. But after missing the playoffs for the first two years of Harper’s contract, fans are expecting an October run.

The Fightins started 2021 hot out of the gate, going 5-1 in their first six, but are now in third place in the NL East. In order to punch their October ticket, one of the holes they must fill is starting pitching. Phils’ starters currently are 14th in the majors in ERA.

So, who can solidify the rotation? Well, one option is a familiar name, Cole Hamels. “Hollywood” is an icon in Philadelphia, having won the World Series MVP when he was in just his 3rd season in the City of Brotherly Love, and pitching a no-hitter in his last start for the Phillies in 2015, before being shipped off to Texas to help the Phillies rebuild.

After a stint with the Cubs and a 2020 season that saw him pitch just once with the Atlanta Braves due to injury, he remains on the market as a free agent. Could Hamels fill a starting hole for the Phils? Time will tell. One thing is for certain, if he does come back, he will receive a warm welcome from Philadelphia fans, who have fond memories of him overpowering hitters. It would be a memorable return, not unlike quite a few other star players who have come back to their former teams where they first made a name for themselves.