set to pick up the $20 million option in starting pitcher Cole Hamels' contract for the 2019 season Josh Donaldson Jersey , according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.Chicago acquired Hamels in a pre-deadline trade with the Texas Rangers last season.The 34-year-old was excellent down the stretch last season, as the left-hander went 4-3 with a 2.36 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 74 strikeouts in 76.1 innings across 12 starts for the Cubs.When adding in his time with the Rangers, Hamels went 9-12 with a 3.78 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 188 strikeouts.Hamels is set to enter his 14th MLB season, with his best years coming during a decade-long stint with the Philadelphia Phillies to start of his career. Three of Hamels' four All-Star nods came as a member of the Phillies, and he led them to the World Series title in 2008 and was named World Series MVP.While Hamels wasn't as dominant after getting shipped from the Phillies to the Rangers, he experienced a career renaissance following his trade to Chicago.By keeping Hamels in the fold, the Cubs ensured a strong rotation for 2019, assuming they keep everyone else in place.Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana, Yu Darvish and Mike Montgomery all remain under team control for next season.Darvish only made eight starts last season due to anelbow injury Joe Carter Jersey , but if he doesn't heal as well as hoped, the Cubs have enough depth to fall back on.If Darvish is good to go, however, Hamels' return could allow manager Joe Maddon to strengthen his bullpen by moving Montgomery, a southpaw, back into a relief role.Despite reaching the playoffs in four straight seasons, 2018 was somewhat disappointing for the Cubs since they lost to the Colorado Rockies in the National League Wild Card Game.By retaining Hamels, though, the Cubs have a chance to boast one of the best starting rotations in Major League Baseball next season, and that should keep them in the World Series conversation. Adam Glanzman/Getty ImagesWith just under a one month to play, the playoff chase isn't the only thing heating up around Major League Baseball.Players around the game are also trying to put the finishing touches on their resume as they look to claim the top individual awards.Here's how the MVP races are shaping up at the beginning of September, according to OddsShark:OddsShark OddsSharkUpdated odds to win AL MVP (BovadaOfficial):Mookie Betts -235Mike Trout +450J.D. Martinez +500Jose Ramirez +500Jose Altuve +1000OddsShark OddsSharkUpdated odds to win NL MVP (BovadaOfficial):Freddie Freeman +250Nolan Arenado +260Matt Carpenter +300Javier Baez +350Paul Goldschmidt +600Jacob deGrom +750Christian Yelich +800There are plenty of familiar faces in the American League. Four of the five front-runners finished in the top-six of the 2017 AL MVP voting a season ago. J.D. Martinez was the only not to do so, as he split time between the Detroit Tigers and the Arizona Diamondbacks.Mookie Betts appears to be the favorite at this point http://www.bluejaysfanproshop.com/authentic-j.a.-happ-jersey , leading the AL with a .336 average to go with 29 home runs, 39 doubles, five triples, 71 RBI and 27 stolen bases. Not only that, but he has won a Gold Glove in each of the past two seasons.Meanwhile, Martinez, a teammate of Betts on the Boston Red Sox, also has a strong case. He has hit .335/.407/.641 with 39 home runs, 36 doubles and a major league-leading 115 RBI.Both players' cases are, of course, bolstered by the fact Boston is running away with the best record in baseball at 97-44. Then again, the fact that both have played at an MVP-caliber level this season could split the votes, ultimately hurting their individual causes.And once again Kendrys Morales Jersey , Mike Trout remains a candidate. Through his first six full seasons, the Los Angeles Angels star has two MVP awards to his name and has never finished outside of the top four in voting. This year figures to be no exception, as he is hitting .305/.456/.604 with 31 home runs, 21 doubles, four triples, 63 RBI and 22 stolen bases.His argument will likely be hurt by the Angels (67-72) missing the postseason.Don't forget about Cleveland Indians star Jose Ramirez (.287 average, 37 home runs, 34 doubles, three triples, 96 RBI and 29 stolen bases and reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve (.318 average, 10 home runs, 27 doubles, two triples and 51 RBI) Jesse Barfield Jersey , either. Both of their respective teams appear to be destined for the postseason.In the National League, there is very little clarity, meaning the final month could be the difference.Freddie Freeman (.305 average, 20 home runs, 36 doubles and 82 RBI) has led the surprising Atlanta Braves (76-63) to first place in the NL East. Nolan Arenado (.299 average, 31 home runs, 29 doubles and 92 RBI) has helped the surging Colorado Rockies (76-62) grab a hold of the top spot in the NL West.Javier Baez has been showing out for the first-place Chicago Cubs lately. Not only is he tied for the NL lead with 100 RBI, but he also has 30 home runs, 35 doubles, nine triples and 21 stolen basesll while playing all around the infield.As the playoff picture becomes clearer, the awards races may do the same.