The New York Yankees are already up 2-0 on the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS. With a deep and loaded lineup as well as one of the best bullpen units in baseball, the Yankees are hoping to make a World Series run.
However, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is always thinking towards the future. Just look at these 2019 Yankees. Cashman constructed much of this roster from acquisitions in the past two years, and now guys like Gio Urshela and Edwin Encarnacion are proving to be major contributors.
In other words, depth is always a good problem. In thinking towards the future of these Yankees, depth is the perfect excuse to sign left-handed veteran Cole Hamels in free agency.
Still effective
Cole Hamels had a rough second half for the Chicago Cubs after an oblique injury sidelined him just before the All-Star break, but he had been a legitimate ace for the team up until that point.
Through his first 17 starts of 2019, Hamels had a 2.98 ERA and 8.8 K/9. He has reestablished his changeup as an out pitch, and he can throw his 12-6 breaking ball for a strike in almost any count.
Remember, this run came after he dominated for the Cubs at the end of 2018 season.
Most analysts and general managers had wondered if Hamels was done after a rather unsatisfying run with the Texas Rangers. Hamels had a 4.72 ERA in his first 20 starts with the Rangers in 2018, giving up a whopping 23 homers in the process. He was having limited success setting up the changeup because of his inability to get ahead and locate the fastball.
However, Hamels' career was revitalized in Chicago. Pitching in the midst of a pennant race, Hamels posted a 2.36 ERA and 1.100 WHIP in 12 starts with the Cubs.
Hamels should not be judged by his poor second half this year. He never quite looked comfortable after sustaining the oblique injury at the end of June, and former big-league pitcher (and current Cubs television color commentator) Jim Deshaies said that Hamels was rushing his mechanics.
New York needs some help in the rotation. James Paxton had a successful first year in the Bronx outside of a brutal June, and Domingo German impressed in his first full season. But ace Luis Severino missed nearly the entire season, and both Masahiro and J.A. Happ had disappointing campaigns. Not to mention, C.C. Sabathia was either injured or turning in poor outings.
The Cubs are not likely to pick up Hamels' option this offseason, but he has been very clear about his desire to pitch. The Yankees should–at the very least–look into attaining his services this winter.
Roster flexibility
One of the other reasons that the Yankees should pursue Hamels in the offseason is that it would allow manager Aaron Boone to be more selective with his rotation in 2020.
Sabathia is retiring at the end of this season. Happ is still under contract through next season, though he is not a strong candidate to return to the rotation. Signing Hamels would give the Yankees another veteran left-hander to replace Sabathia, while also allowing Boone to move Happ into the bullpen.
Of course, converting starters into bullpen arms is a popular strategy come October. But Happ might be that much better as a reliever over the course of a full season, while Hamels clearly has more velocity and sharpness with each of his pitches.
Cole Hamels could also prove to be a pickup. His value has likely decreased after a disappointing second half, and there are not too many teams who are willing to pay for a soon-to-be 36-year-old pitcher.
Much of this decision rests on whether or not the Yankees decide to dedicate their spending to the pursuit of Gerrit Cole. But if the Yankees are trying to acquire quality while staying under the luxury tax, they should sign Hamels to be another left-handed complement to Paxton.
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