MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Jason Hammel

Jason Hammel was part of the 2016 World Series winning Chicago Cubs starting rotation but now is a free agent. The Cubs declined his $12 million 2017 option shortly after their World Series victory.

Jason Hammel went 15-10 with a 3.83 ERA in 2016 for the Chicago Cubs. However, he was left off of their playoff winning roster after an elbow issue that hurt his second half performance. In the months of September and October, he recorded an 8.71 ERA with one win and three losses.

Now, the 33-year old finds himself on the free agent market after the Cubs declined his $12 million 2017 option. According to ESPN.com, the club gave him the decision between returning in 2017 or testing a free agent market that lacks a lot of quality starters.

“When we agreed with Jason on this two-year contract back at the 2014 winter meetings, the option was included with the intent that it would be exercised if Jason was going to be a Cub in 2017,” Theo Epstein, Cubs general manager, said.

“The intent was never to exercise the option and then trade Jason, so we will not consider that path. Instead, Jason will have the opportunity to enter free agency coming off an outstanding season and the ability to choose his next club. Meanwhile, the organization gains some flexibility and the opportunity to use a rotation spot to develop a younger, long-term starting pitcher.”

So now, Hammel is in a situation that has the potential to be very profitable. He’s coming off a great season for a winning ball club, is part of a free agent market that is shallow in quality, and he has numerous suitors throughout the league. The following five teams are some suitors that would greatly benefit from signing the 33-year old righty.