There (arguably) is if they're genuinely concerned about the starting rotation. Even if you're worried about the rotation, I have a hard time being convinced that Hamels is the solution at $20M. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm worried about repeat of 2017 John Lackey. Oh, I completely agree; personally, I didn't want them to bring back Hamels, and I have a real fear he's going to mostly suck this season. I'm just saying I get why Epstein would effectively panic and go that route (because he kinda sucks more often than we'd like at targeting pitchers).