Fansided

Best player on every MLB team

By Matt Whitener

Aug 24, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) looks on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) looks on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) walks off the field during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Texas Rangers defeat the Angels 9-2 and clinch the American League West division. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) walks off the field during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Texas Rangers defeat the Angels 9-2 and clinch the American League West division. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Rangers—Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels’ tenure as the most rumored and discussed trade chip available came to close late last season, when the Rangers threw together a hoard of prospects and shipped them to Philadelphia in exchange for the veteran lefty. Upon arrival, Hamels delivered on promise nearly immediately, putting together a 7-1 record in Arlington and propelling the Rangers to a late season heist of the American League West title.

At age 32, Hamels is still in his prime years and instantly has become the most pivotal member of his new club. With the Rangers’ incumbent ace in Yu Darvish down for the year with Tommy John surgery, it was of the utmost importance that they secure a Game 1 type starter that could pitch the pivotal games down the stretch, as well as in the postseason. Hamels, a former World Series and NLCS MVP, as well as owner of 1.5 no-hitters in his career, fit the bill perfectly.

Now as he enters his firm full year in the AL, Hamels provides a much needed frontline presence for a team that will often see Felix Hernandez, Sonny Gray and 2015 Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel oppose them within their division. Hamels provides an edge and a much needed advantage in what projects to be an air tight division.

Next: Texas Rangers: Cole Hamels

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