Chicago Cubs pitcher Cole Hamels (35) throws on the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Padres ink former World Series MVP to minor league deal

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/16/23

After nearly three seasons away from the game, former Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels is attempting another comeback.

On Thursday, Hamels returned home, inking a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres.

Free-agent pitcher Cole Hamels and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a minor-league contract, according to a source familiar with the deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 16, 2023

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Hamels' deal will pay him a $2 million base salary if he's on the Padres' Major League roster.

Hamels tried comebacks in 2021 and again in 2022 but failed to return to the mound. Perhaps the third time is the charm.

Hamels hasn't pitched in a Major League game since 2020, making one appearance for the Atlanta Braves in a forgettable outing. The four-time All-Star gave up three earned runs off three hits but did strike out two batters in 3.1 innings pitched.

Selected by the Phillies 17th overall in the 2002 MLB Draft, Hamels spent the first 10 seasons of his career in Philadelphia, where he was a three-time All-Star and won World Series MVP honors in 2008.

In 15 seasons with the Phillies, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, and Braves, Hamels is 163-122 with a 3.43 ERA in 422 career starts.

After such an extended period away from the game, it'll be a surprise if the 39-year-old ever makes it back to the big leagues. However, after several workouts, the Padres believe there's something there, but only time will tell.

Hamels wasn't the only veteran hurler the Padres added on Thursday. Earlier in the day, the Friars agreed to a one-year deal with Michael Wacha, who shined with the Boston Red Sox last season.

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