Categories: Rumors

Phillies Rumors: The latest on Cole Hamels’ comeback attempt

Cole Hamels is a Phillies legend. (Icon Sportswire)

Philadelphia Phillies icon Cole Hamels isn’t going to pitch in 2022, but remains hopeful that his career will have another chapter.

According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, “Hamels has decided to take his time with his comeback plans and try next spring rather than rush things.”

Hamels underwent shoulder surgery last November after getting injured before getting a chance to pitch with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hamels had signed a one-year/$1 million deal with the Dodgers in early August.

After signing a one-year/$18 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, injuries limited Hamels to just 3 1/3 innings during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

The most extended action Hamels saw recently came during the 2019 season, when he went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA and a 4.09 FIP across 141 2/3 innings for the Chicago Cubs.

A first-round pick by the Phillies in the 2002 MLB Draft, Hamels spent the first nine-and-a-half seasons of his career in Philadelphia, making three All-Star Game appearances and winning the 2008 World Series MVP. Hamels tossed a no-hitter at Wrigley Field on July 25, 2015, his final start with the Phillies before being traded to the Texas Rangers.

If Hamels — who will turn 39 in December — doesn’t make it back to the majors, he’s had an incredible career. In parts of 15 seasons, Hamels is 163-122 with a 3.43 ERA, 3.68 FIP and 51.6 fWAR across 2,698 innings.