4 Teams That Completely Blew it by Not Signing Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels is reportedly a member of the Atlanta Braves after signing a one-year deal Wednesday afternoon. That takes another veteran pitcher off the market and a few MLB teams may be kicking themselves with Hamels no longer available.

There are a number of fringe contenders and bonafide contenders that could've used Hamels on a convenient one-year deal, so there are the clubs that blew it by letting the Braves swoop in.

4. Chicago White Sox

Kansas City Royals v Chicago White Sox / Ron Vesely/Getty Images

The lone bright spot for the White Sox starting rotation in 2019 was Lucas Giolito. The lack of depth beyond him is a big reason why the team struggled yet again in 2019 -- though they did take steps forward. Hamels could have shown up and made the White Sox contenders in the AL Central given all the other moves the team made this offseason. This staff could've used an experienced veteran of his caliber.

3. Minnesota Twins

The Twins benefitted from a few veterans in 2019. / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The Twins have embraced signing veterans on short-term deals and Hamels would have fit that mold perfectly. The team could have used Hamels as the second or third guy in a rotation to help support their explosive offense, especially with Jake Odorizzi returning for another year. With the White Sox improving as well, this was a big missed opportunity for the Twins.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies v San Francisco Giants / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Philly blew the reunion! Cole Hamels said he was interested in rejoining the Phillies, but the team clearly didn't feel the same way. Adding the veteran lefty to the rotation would've exponentially improved this unit, which struggled immensely last season and played a role in the team faltering down the stretch. Adding Hamels and another elite arm could've made the Phillies instant World Series contenders.

1. New York Yankees

League Championship Series - Houston Astros v New York Yankees - Game Four / Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Come on, guys. Rotation depth is the top need for the Bombers, but they've used all their focus on Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg. You're telling us there wasn't $18 million lying around to throw at Hamels to fortify the back of the rotation? Get that done and then use every ounce of energy to get an ace and the World Series would've been yours. Don't be surprised when the Yanks are dealing with the same issues if they fail to land Cole or Strasburg, both of whom are far from guaranteed to sign in New York.