Kansas City Royals: Five Most Disappointing Players in 2016

Most Disappointing Royals in 2016 – Number 5: Kris Medlen

Before the 2015 season began, the Kansas City Royals signed Kris Medlen to a two-year deal. He didn’t end up joining the team until after the All-Star break in 2015, but he made somewhat of an impact.

When 2016 rolled around, Kris Medlen was announced as part of the starting rotation. Medlen would only end up starting (and appearing in) six games all year, as a rotator cuff strain placed him on the disabled list.

His last two starts only saw him lasting four total innings, and then we found out why – He was injured, once again.

Medlen posted a 7.77 ERA in those six starts and only accounted for 24.1 innings during that span. He had a 1-3 record and pitched in five straight losses to close out his time as a Royal (at least for now, that we know of).

Medlen’s first start wasn’t even his best, but was his only win of the season. He pitched on the road against the Astros, going five innings and allowing two runs. The Royals went on to win that game 3-2.

After that, Kris Medlen pitched in his best game, but the offense didn’t back him up. He went 6.1 innings and only allowed one run against the Athletics.

Medlen then went downhill quickly, giving up seven runs in his next appearance, and nine in another appearance. His last two starts only saw him lasting four total innings, and then we found out why – He was injured, once again.

Medlen never did make it back to Kauffman Stadium. He’ll be a free agent this offseason, and I’d be shocked if the Kansas City Royals made an effort to bring him back. He was not good.