The Los Angeles Dodgers fortified their starting rotation at the trade deadline by acquiring Danny Duffy and Max Scherzer in separate trades, though what role the southpaw will hold is unclear. Related to that, the Dodgers have now signed Cole Hamels as well.
L.A. was among the teams that attended Hamels’ throwing showcase last month, during which he was said to have performed well and thrown a fastball that sat around 90 mph. Despite fielding reported interest from multiple teams, the 37-year-old waited for a Major League contract offer.
With the Dodgers still facing some strain on their pitching staff, they were moved to come to terms with the veteran southpaw.
According to the Associated Press, Hamels’ contract with the Dodgers is for a base salary of $1 million and includes a bonus for each start and relief appearances that are at least 3.1 innings:
Hamels will earn about $1 million from the deal, signed with less than two months less in the season.
He would earn $200,000 for each start and $200,000 for each relief appearance of 3 1/3 innings or more, up to a total of 15 each.
Hamels last pitched in the Majors for the Atlanta Braves in 2020, though only made one start before being shut down due to left shoulder inflammation and fatigue. He had signed a one-year, $18 million contract with the Braves in December 2014.
Hamels’ last full season in the Majors came in 2019 with the Chicago Cubs. He went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA, 4.09 FIP and 1.40 WHIP in 27 starts.
The Dodgers won’t need the four-time All-Star to shoulder much of a load outside of providing depth. Tony Gonsolin is on the 10-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation and Clayton Kershaw is still dealing with soreness that prevented him from pitching in a second simulated game.
Dodgers turning to 2008 Phillies
The Dodgers have oddly added players from the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies roster over the past several seasons, with Hamels the latest to join a group that includes Shane Victorino, Carlos Ruiz, Joe Blanton, Ryan Madson, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley.
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