Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels is not ready to ride off into the sunset just yet.
According to Jon Heyman, Hamels still has his sights set on returning to the mound. He is hoping to pitch in 2023 and is looking for an opportunity.
Former Philadelphia Phillies All Star Cole Hamels not giving up yet
It would be easy to imagine that Hamels had quietly retired. He has made just one appearance since the end of the 2019 season, a 3.1 injury shortened outing for the Braves in 2020. Hamels did sign with the Dodgers for the stretch run in 2021, but was injured before he ever took the mound, ending that attempted comeback.
Hamels was a solid pitcher in his last full season in the majors. He posted a 3.81 ERA and a 1.391 WHiP over his 141.2 innings, striking out 143 batters with 56 walks. That type of performance would be enough to generate interest on the open market.
The question is whether or not Hamels is healthy. He battled shoulder issues before the pandemic delayed the 2020 season and then battled triceps tendonitis. Following that abbreviated outing, he was lost for the rest of the year with shoulder fatigue. Hamels then had arm pain during a simulated game while attempting to pitch his way back into shape with the Dodgers, ending that comeback attempt.
He is going to need to have a showcase to prove that he has anything left. Even if that showcase is successful, Hamels is likely going to have to settle for a minor league deal. Considering how desperate teams are for pitching these days, that cannot be considered outside the realm of possibility.
Cole Hamels is not willing to give up just yet. The former Philadelphia Phillies All Star is still hoping to return to the majors in 2023.