San Diego Padres Sign Former World Series MVP

 

He hasn't pitched in the big leagues in three years, but after a throwing showcase this month for major league teams, 15-year veteran and former World Series MVP Cole Hamels has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres for his attempted comeback.

Cole Hamels has agreed to a minor league deal with the Padres, per @ByRobertMurray pic.twitter.com/TsvwHZudxD

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) February 16, 2023

It's a minor league deal for Hamels, according to MLB Insider Robert Murray, which would allow him to pitch for his hometown for the first time in his career. The contract would pay him a $2 million base if he is on the major league roster. 

The 39-year-old threw for interested teams in Arlington, Texas, three weeks ago, and was said to look "insanely good."

The four-time All-Star lefty went 163-122 with a 3.43 ERA in 15 seasons, a majority of which was spent with the Philadelphia Phillies. Three of his four MidSeason Classics were with the Phils, and the apex of his career was there as well: winning World Series MVP in 2008, as he posted a 2.77 ERA with the Phillies winning both his starts on their way to the championship. He went 4-0 that postseason with a 1.80 ERA.

The Padres, of course, are all-in on the 2023 season, so why not take a shot on a former playoff ace recapturing his form?

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports