PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Will the Cubs pick up Hamels's 2019 option?

Chicago Cubs

In six starts since joining the Cubs via trade at the end of July, Cole Hamels (LHP, CHC) has pitched his best baseball of the 2018 season, going 4-0 with a 0.69 ERA, 8.8 Dom, 3.5 Cmd, 2.90 xERA, and 123 BPV. He's also raised his ground ball rate to 56% during that span, the best rate he's had in any month this year, while lowering his fly ball rate to a season-low 19%, and pumping out an average fastball speed of 93.0 mph, which, you guessed it, is also a new monthly high for 2018. He's also ramped up usage of his four-seam fastball to 41.2%, compared to 26.8% on the year; that harkens back to 2007-2013, when his four-seam usage was 40% or higher every year.

It has led to some speculation about whether the Cubs will pick...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Following the free agency departure of Corbin Burnes, will Baltimore add another starter or will internal options such as Trevor Rogers have to step up? Plus, uncertainty in the NYY infield, BOS' closer role in flux, and more.
Dec 30 2024 3:00am
The Royals have already added an infielder and may be looking to add more, which could cut into the playing time of Maikel Garcia. Plus, White Sox rotation sans their ace, and more from around the division.
Dec 26 2024 11:27am
NL West: Holes in the SD OF and rotation; back of rotation options for ARI and SF; and OF questions for LA and COL.
Dec 24 2024 3:20am
With Kyle Tucker out of town, the Astros need another starting outfielder, and Zach Dezenzo could be that replacement.
FREE
Dec 20 2024 9:02am

Tools