Kansas City Royals: Five Most Disappointing Players in 2016
Most Disappointing Royals in 2016 – Number 1: Joakim Soria
Was there even any question with this one? Joakim Soria is hands down the most disappointing player for the Kansas City Royals in 2016, blowing more holds than I can even count (I think it was 14?).
Soria was the Royals’ closer for several years back when they were bad, and we all loved him then. When the team signed him to a three-year contract, it seemed a little steep at the time, but we figured “the more, the merrier” when it came to that stout bullpen.
Soria choked early on, nearly handing the Mets the opening day win. He then continued to struggle in big moments for the Royals, but at the same time, Ned Yost continued to put him in those situations.
More from KC Kingdom
- Win $650 GUARANTEED Plus $100 Off NFL Sunday Ticket With Caesars, FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!
- This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!
- How to Bet on the Chiefs vs. Cardinals in NFL Preseason Week 2
- The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. Immediately
- The 3 Most Intriguing Games on the Chiefs’ Schedule
Going into the season, we all figured Wade Davis would be the closer, and either Soria or Kelvin Herrera would be the set-up man. Herrera proved to be the better option, but Soria had to take on a bigger role when both Davis and Luke Hochevar went on the disabled list.
Soria finished out his first season back in Kansas City with a 4.05 ERA. That is horrible for a relief pitcher. He pitched in 66.2 innings and had a 5-8 record in 70 games.
In fact, Joakim Soria was so bad that the Kansas City Royals put him on waivers and he went unclaimed. Not even a playoff team wanted an experienced reliever to add to their squad for a late season postseason push.
We expected Soria to come in, be a shutdown reliever for the Royals, and that be that. Instead, he blew way too many games for this team. That sucks a lot, especially after being used to having a historically good bullpen.
While Royals fans likely loathe Soria after him costing the team so many games, I urge you to get over it. He’ll be back in Royal blue next season and likely will get the same role again in 2017. He’ll need our support coming off of a tough season.