Kansas City Royals: Most disappointing players in 2018

Jason Hammel had a horrible season.There is no other way — at least that would allow for this post to remain PG — to describe what Hammel did on the mound this year.

While cashing checks to the tune of $9 million this past season, the 13-year-old veteran had his worst ERA since pitching for the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays in his second season — and he played in Colorado for three years!

Hammel made 39 appearances — 14 as a starter — and didn’t earn a win until May 22. He won his next start and proceeded to lose eight straight and run his record to 2-13.

In August, Hammel was demoted to the bullpen. He talked about his frustration after the move was announced, per Rustin Dodd of The Atlantic.

"I’m just bashing my head against the wall,” Hammel said, and “I’m throwing more angry balls right now than actual pitches. I’ve kind of become a thrower instead of a pitcher due to just frustration.”"

Part of Hammel’s struggles could be that at 36, he’s not aging gracefully. He’s never been a dominant pitcher, but there was some mild expectations heading into Kansas City after he won 33 games and struck out 420 batters in 446 innings while spending three seasons with the Chicago Cubs — including their 2016 championship campaign.

When watching the big righty pitch this season there just wasn’t much to say other than the fact he was no good. The pearl must have looked like a beach ball coming across the plate to hitters who batted his pitches around for a .315 average.

Who knows what the future holds for the Royals starting rotation, but if they want to win, it shouldn’t include Hammel. Fortunately, he’s a free agent, so him coming back to Kansas City isn’t likely.