The Atlanta Braves signed Cole Hamels to a one-year deal. Hamels has been one of the best pitchers in the game over his career. Let’s take a look at what all he is bringing with him to the Braves in 2020.
The Atlanta Braves addressed one of their major offseason needs by signing Cole Hamels to a one-year, $18 million deal. Hamels addresses the need for a left-handed starter near the top of the rotation.
Hamels has a long track record of success and will be used to mentor the youngsters on the staff like Max Fried, Sean Newcomb, and Mike Soroka.
In of the greatest moments in analytics history, Kevin Millar said on MLB Network’s Intentional Talk:
"“Cole Hamels on your team gives you a nice security blanket of just a nice person, a nice kid from the left side, a nice changeup. Does throw in to right handers at 90 mph still… back in his career. He’s gonna give you an average of 160 to 180 innings pitched, he’s going to give you 28+ starts, show-hair, good looking kid. He’s gonna bring a lot of good looking people to the ballpark. Phenomenal sign by your Atlanta Braves! Welcome to Hot-Lanta”"
Chris Rose went on to discuss how Atlanta wants Cole Hamels to be in the ear of Max Fried and Mike Soroka, to act as a mentor to the youngsters.
The Draw
Outside of a nice guy with great hair, what are the Atlanta Braves getting in 36-year-old Cole Hamels?
Hamels was quoted as saying that he was very familiar with the Braves and watched them in the postseason. He is looking forward to having an opportunity to work with some of the great young talents of the Atlanta Braves.
Hamels has made his money, earning $192.4 million in his career. At this point, Hamels is looking for a team that can take him back to the World Series.
Hamels brings a four-pitch repertoire to the Braves with a fastball, curve, cutter, and his best weapon, the change-up.
So, we know we got Hamels in our rotation, let’s take a look at the Cole Hamels’ journey from a youthful free-swinging, barroom-brawling spirit, to a focused, postseason super-hero. Hamels’ professional journey began at age 19 when the Phillies pinpointed him as the next big thing in the City of Brotherly Love.