The Chicago Cubs landed a starting pitcher in free agency who played for the team in 2014 before he was traded to the American League. Jordan Zimmermann of the Washington Nationals could enter contract extension talks with the team once again.
On Monday a source confirmed the Cubs are bringing back starting pitcher Jason Hammel on a two-year, $18 million contract that includes a team option for a third season or a $2 million buyout. Chicago traded Hammel to the Oakland Athletics in July along with starter Jeff Samardzija and they received prospects Addison Russell and Billy McKinney as well as pitcher Dan Straily.
Hammel perhaps had his best season as a pitcher in 2014 with both the Cubs and Athletics, although his time with Chicago was much more successful. The right-hander finished the season with a 10-11 record in addition to a 3.47 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 30 appearances (29 starts). In 17 starts with the Cubs, Hammel was 8-5 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.02 WHIP compared to his 13 appearances (12 starts) in Oakland where he compiled a 2-6 record with a 4.26 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.
As Chicago attempts to bolster their rotation with the pursuit of Jon Lester, Hammel will return to Wrigley Field and join a largely undetermined staff as many will likely compete for a spot during spring training.
In Washington, the Nationals will try once more to sign starter Jordan Zimmermann to a long-term extension, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Zimmermann is scheduled to hit free agency after the 2015 season, which is when his two-year, $24 million contract expires. The Nats have reportedly offered the right-hander a number of extensions but he rejected all of them and it has led to trade speculation. He'll be earning $16.5 million in 2015.
In his six-year career, Zimmermann has compiled a 57-40 record with a 3.24 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 145 starts. He's been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons thanks to a career-high in wins (19) in 2013 and career bests in ERA (2.66) and WHIP (1.07) in 2014.
