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How Hamels’ instant turnaround with Cubs helped push Rangers to reassess their analytics

The past two July 31 trading periods saw the Texas Rangers trade two pitchers who at one time or another in their careers have been considered among the best in the game.

Yu Darvish, traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, and Cole Hamels, traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2018, might not have been performing at their accustomed levels when dealt, but then something happened afterward.

Darvish delivered seven scoreless innings in his first Dodgers start. Hamels was the National League Pitcher of the Month in August after dazzling with the Cubs.