Jason Hammel Signs 2-Year Deal With Chicago Cubs
Jason Hammel is returning to Chicago after the former Cubs starting pitcher signed a two-year deal to join the rotation.
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The Chicago Cubs signed a free agent starting pitcher. No, it wasn’t Jon Lester or Max Scherzer, but rather former Cubs starter Jason Hammel who signed a two-year deal for $18 million with a team option for a third year and a $2 million buyout.
Hammel signed a one-year deal with the Cubs last offseason and pitched well enough to get traded after a standout first three months before he was traded to the Oakland A’s along with Jeff Samardzija on July 4.
With the Cubs Hammel was 8-5 with a 2.96 ERA and was the team’s second best pitcher behind Samardzija and together brought back elite prospect Addison Russell, pitcher Dan Straily and prospect Billy McKinney. He didn’t fare as well with the A’s after the trade, going 2-6 with a 4.26 ERA.
After the trade speculation ensued that Hammel could return to Chicago in the offseason and there was no harsh feeling after being dealt and that speculation increased following the Cubs hire of manager Joe Maddon who was Hammel’s manager at the beginning of his career when he played for Tampa Bay. In fact, the two even share the same agent, Alan Nero, and the reunion was made official with today’s signing.
The Cubs still hope to add to their starting rotation that has more question marks than answers and remain in pursuit of Hammel’s former teammate in Oakland, albeit a brief relationship with Lester who reportedly has an offer for $136 million over six years on the table from the Cubs.
For more MLB coverage this offseason stay on FanSided.com to stay on top of the latest updates around the world of baseball, including the latest news, free agent and trade rumors and injury updates.
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