Chicago Cubs pitcher Cole Hamels will have a decision to make when he becomes a free agent for the first time after the 2019 season - a decision that could lead him back to Philadelphia.
Hamels said he would consider reuniting with the Phillies next season, especially now that they're in a position to contend long term.
"It’s always a thought of mine. I’ll never try to alienate or write somebody off," Hamels told Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer on Thursday. " ... I know Philly is finally getting into where they can make a five-, six-, seven-year run like we did and take back that division. To be a part of something that special, I would consider it. But I know that I have to play well and everything leans on that and if I fit well in the dynamic. As long as I take care of business on the field, then I think that allows the options to be there."
Hamels was among MLB's top arms when he pitched for the Phillies from 2006-2015. He was a three-time All-Star and finished among the top eight in National League Cy Young voting four times while helping Philadelphia win a World Series in 2008.
Since then, Hamels posted a 38-21 record with a 3.90 ERA in four seasons with the Rangers and has spent the past season-and-a-half with the Chicago Cubs, authoring a 2.80 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 22 starts.
The 35-year-old left-hander is a perfect 4-0 with a 3.38 ERA in 10 starts for the Cubs this season.
