PADRES: Does Cole Hamels Have Anything Left in the Tank?

Thursday, the San Diego Padres agreed to terms with free agent starting pitcher Cole Hamels. Hamels, who just turned 39, is a World Series champion and four-time All-Star.

Hamels signs a minor league contract, with hopes of making a Major League impact. The signing of Hamels gives the Padres what could be needed rotational depth.

Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Blake Snell and Michael Wacha should be the top four pitchers in the Padres' rotation. The Padres signed free agent Seth Lugo, and offered him a chance at a spot in the Padres rotation. Lugo had excelled as a reliever in recent years. He has not started a game since 2020.

Nick Martinez will also vie for a spot in the club's rotation. Now, the Padres have another option for a fifth starter, and his name is Cole Hamels.

Hamels has pitched a total of 3.1 innings since the end of the 2019 season. Hamels pitched well in his year and a half with the Chicago Cubs, from July 2018 through 2019. Hamels posted a 7-7 record, 3.81 ERA, and 116 ERA+ in his lone full season with the Cubs.

Coming off his strong 2019 campaign, the Atlanta Braves signed him to a one-year, $18 million contract. Hamels suffered a shoulder injury at spring training, and made just one start for the Braves during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

A year later, in August 2021, Hamels signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hamels however experienced arm pain while pitching in a simulated game, and was placed on the 60-day Injured List. Hamels did not pitch in 2023.

Hamels has only thrown 3.1 innings over the last three seasons. Prior to that, however, he was showing no signs of declining. Hamels' primary concern since has been health. If Hamels can stay healthy, he could be a contributor for the Padres in 2023.

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