There was a time when Cole Hamels was a solid pitcher. The former Philadelphia Phillies All Star had moments when he appeared to be a future ace in his younger days, but ended up settling in as a solid middle of the rotation arm. He was a valuable part of a contending rotation through 2019 when the then 35 year old last took the ball for the Cubs.
Hamels is now 38 years old. Over the past three years, he has pitched a grand total of 3.1 innings, all of which came with the Braves in his one outing on September 16. Injuries have derailed the past three years, including his hoped for return to the mound this year.
Former Philadelphia Phillies All Star Cole Hamels not giving up
And yet, Hamels is not giving up. He is working to make another comeback attempt next spring, saying that he “feels good” but is going to take his time. This way, he does not try to rush back and injure himself during a future showcase.
Maybe some team will give him a chance on a minor league deal. Competent pitching is scarce enough that teams keep giving the likes of Matt Harvey a chance. If Hamels shows that he still has something during his showcase, he may get another chance.
However, even that is doubtful. He will be 39 years old next year with just those 3.1 innings under his belt in the past three seasons. Hamels had looked good enough for the Dodgers to sign him after a showcase in 2021, but he was shut down with shoulder discomfort shortly thereafter. The market for sore armed late 30s pitchers is not exactly robust.
Perhaps that is what his shoulder is telling him. It feels good now, but he is also not exactly ramping up to attempt to return to the majors. It is time for Hamels to face reality and admit that his time has come to an end.
Former Philadelphia Phillies All Star Cole Hamels is hoping to make a comeback in 2023. Instead, it is time that he takes the hint and walks away.