MLB: Ten Most Disappointing Players in 2016
Honorable Mentions:
Justin Upton – OF – Detroit Tigers: In free agency last season, Justin Upton signed a six-year deal worth $132.75 M with the Detroit Tigers. Early in his career, Upton was hitting for average and power. However, since joining the Tigers, Upton has struggled in both.
Through 66 games, Upton is hitting .238 with eight home runs and 31 RBI. He has just four stolen bases after stealing 19 in 2015.
His stats have taken a jump in the past week, as he has four home runs and eight RBI in the past five games. However, to date, he has been one of the more disappointing additions for the Tigers, who expect a playoff run this season.
Clay Buchholz – SP – Boston Red Sox: The former ace of the Boston rotation found himself struggling early in the season. So much so, that he was demoted from the rotation after 10 starts. Since pitching out of the bullpen, Clay Buchholz has given up just three runs over 9.1 innings.
On the year, Buchholz has an ERA of 5.83 and a WHIP of 1.41. He is even sporting a career-low K/BB ratio (1.58).
The Red Sox gave Buchholz another chance to start because of his solid performance as a reliever. Against the Chicago White Sox, Buchholz pitched five innings of three run ball, surrendering four hits and one walk while striking out five.
Carlos Gomez – OF – Houston Astros: Though landing on the disabled list in early May, Carlos Gomez has not been able to put together a solid season for the Houston Astros.
Consistently near the 20-30 threshold every season since 2012 (other than 2015), Gomez is on-pace to fall significantly short. In 51 games, he is hitting .220 with three home runs and eight stolen bases.
Gomez has been hitting well as of late, as his average was near the Mendoza line for most of the season. Over his last eight games, he is 13-for-34 with a home run and two stolen bases. If he can keep this up, a turnaround is in store for the 30-year-old. But, for now, he has been one of the more disappointing players this season.
Travis d’Arnaud – C – New York Mets: Out since April 25, Travis d’Arnaud finally returned from the disabled list Tuesday. He has just played in 14 games in 2016, hitting .184 with no home runs and just a single RBI.
Though injury is a harsh reason to label a player as a disappointment, d’Arnaud has been out for a crucial amount of time – especially considering that the Mets’ hitting ranks among the worst in the majors.
Next: All power, no average