Rangers agree to trade Cole Hamels to Cubs for prospect Rollie Lacy, PTBN

On Thursday evening the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs reportedly came to agreement on a trade involving veteran left-hander Cole Hamels. The Rangers will send Hamels to the north side in exchange for minor league pitching prospect Rollie Lacy, another pitching prospect who has not yet been disclosed, and a player-to-be-named-later.

Here’s some quick information on Lacy. When the subsequent names are released, we’ll write them up as well.

Rollie Lacy, RHP: Lacy was selected in the 11th round of the 2017 draft out of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Coming off a strong junior year (2.54 ERA in 89 innings, 83/13 K/BB) he was pitched 28 innings in the Arizona and Northwest Leagues combining for a strong 2.45 ERA with a sharp 27/4 K/BB. He’s split the 2018 season between the Low-A Midwest and the High-A Carolina Leagues, combining for a 2.45 ERA in 81 innings, with a 94/24 K/BB and just 65 hits allowed.

Lacy is listed at 6-4, 195, age 23. He doesn’t throw especially hard velocity-wise but he generates good sink with his fastball, resulting in a 2.37 GO/AO and only five homers allowed this year. He racks up his share of strikeouts as well by mixing in curveballs and change-ups and keeping hitters off-balance. He pounds the strike zone and so far has found A-ball hitters not much of a challenge. Lacy looks like a solid Grade C+ prospect with significant sleeper potential.