Cole Hamels reportedly looked ‘insanely good’ during throwing session
Perhaps Philadelphia Phillies legend Cole Hamels’ career will have one final chapter.
Looking to make a comeback, Hamels held a throwing session for potential suitors Friday in Arlington, Texas. Jon Heyman of The New York Post was told that the 2008 World Series MVP was hitting between 88 and 91 mph on the radar gun, with one observer opining that Hamels looked “insanely good” and making the prediction that he’ll garner interest from pitching-needy clubs.
One final return to the sport would be quite the story for Hamels, who has pitched a grand total of 3 1/3 innings over the last three seasons.
But there’s reason to believe that the four-time All-Star is as healthy as he’s been in years, as he revealed to Dan Gelston of The Associated Press earlier this offseason that he underwent procedures on his left shoulder, left foot and right knee, rather than trying to pitch during the 2022 season. All he’s looking for now is an organization that will give him a final chance at returning to a big league mound.
“A Spring Training invite is no risk, all reward,” Hamels said. “If you start me out in February, I’ll be ready by April 1. Or I’ll know exactly I can’t do it, and I will be the first one to admit, nope, I had a great career. I can hang it up and be proud of what I did.”
Now 39, Hamels made just one appearance as a member of the Atlanta Braves during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and ultimately never pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers after they took a flier on him in the summer of 2021. His most recent extended action came during the 2019 season, when he went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA and 4.09 FIP across 141 2/3 innings pitched for the Chicago Cubs.
In parts of 15 seasons, Hamels is 163-122 with a 3.43 ERA, 3.68 FIP and 51.6 WAR, according to FanGraphs.
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