HAMELS HEADS TO THE CUBBIES
The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Cole Hamels and cash from the Texas Rangers for pitchers Rollie Lacy and Eddie Butler, and a player to be named later.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
The Cubs hope Hamels can find his old National League form between now and the end of the 2018 MLB season. The veteran southpaw will slide into the Chicago rotation to help a unit that has under-performed in '18 (especially due to the injury to former Hamels teammate in Texas, right-hander Yu Darvish). The Cubs also received all but $5 million left on Hamels' deal (which expires this winter if bought out of his contract option).
What does it give the Texas Rangers
For the rebuilding Rangers, adding two pitchers here makes a lot of sense (even though they say goodbye to their ace in the process). Hamels had been struggling this season, which is why Texas was limited in terms of the return they could receive for his services in '18. Still, landing Lacy is a decent maneuver. The hard-throwing right-hander could eventually become a starter for Texas, or perhaps a late-inning reliever. Butler is a serviceable right-hander who can both start and relieve. All told, it is an underwhelming package in exchange for an MLB ace starter.
Fantasy impact
Hamels should feel more comfortable back in the NL with a contending team in Chicago, so his fantasy stock receives a big boost after this deal. Lacy should now be squarely on the keeper-league radar, while Butler may get one last shot at proving he can become a big-league starting pitcher. He is at best a fantasy dark horse, however.
Player focus
Texas Rangers
player to be named later in 2018 - Alexander Ovalles