By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The last time 2008 World Series champion pitched as a member of the National League, it was on July 25, 2015, at Wrigley Field — a no-hitter opposite eventual-Phillies RHP Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs.
Three years and one day later, it appears both former All-Star aces have swapped teams, as the Cubs have reportedly acquired Hamels from the Texas Rangers "pending exchange of medical information," according to Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan.
Update 7/27, 12:32 p.m.: The Cubs have acquired Hamels and $5 million in cash considerations from the Rangers in exchange for RHPs Eddie Butler, Rollie Lacy, and a player to be named later. Hamels is owed roughly $14.2 million, between the remainder of his $23.5 million 2018 salary and next year's $6 million buyout.
The Rangers will receive "minor leaguers" in return for Hamels, while Chicago obtains a 13-year, postseason-experienced veteran to complement Yu Darvish and Jon Lester atop its rotation. The Rangers are also said to be sending "a significant amount of cash" to cover Hamels’ salary. The 34-year-old is earning $23.5 million this season, and has a $20 million club option for 2019 with a $6 million buyout.
Joe Maddon on Hamels after Cubs walk-off win today: "He has pitched in some pretty big games against some teams I have been involved with. He has done very well. He’s a great competitor. He has good stuff. He competes and knows what he’s doing.''
— Gerry Fraley (@gfraley) July 27, 2018
The Phillies were reportedly among the final three teams to be linked to Hamels, along with the Cubs and division-rival Atlanta Braves. According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, the club seemingly had "minimal interest" in Hamels, as they like their current rotation. The New York Yankees also showed interest in the southpaw, but instead acquired J.A. Happ Thursday from the Toronto Blue Jays.
This season, Hamels is 1-7 with a 6.41 ERA, 53-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 1.508 WHIP in 10 home starts, as opposed to 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA, 61-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 1.229 WHIP on the road. A change of scenery might benefit the four-time All-Star, who is just 5-9 with a 4.72 ERA overall in his third full season with the Texas Rangers.
It is only fitting that Hamels and Happ — teammates of the 2008 World Series champion Phillies — were dealt on the same day.
The Cubs, and possibly Hamels, will take on the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in a three-game set, August 31-Sept. 2. Both clubs could very well meet again in the postseason, as could Chase Utley and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
