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Jason Hammel is a Chicago Cub again. The free agent pitcher has, per multiple reports, agreed to a 2 year, $18 million deal with the Cubs, with a team option for 2017.
Hammel signed a one year deal with the Cubs prior to the 2014 season, and was shipped mid-season, along with Jeff Samardzija, to the Oakland A's in the deal that brought, among others, Addison Russell and Billy McKinney to Chicago.
The A's, of course, learned the lesson that the Rangers know all too well -- don't trade for Cubs pitchers.
The 32 year old Hammel ended up putting up a 3.47 ERA in 176.1 IP last season, good for a 3.1 bWAR on the year. IN 2013, he was right at replacement level for the Orioles, putting up a 0.0 bWAR in 139.1 IP, with a 4.97 ERA.
Hammel is someone who had been discussed as a possible Rangers target, albeit at a price significantly less than 2/$18M.