Chicago Cubs: Where are they now? A look at some former players’ paths

Jason Hammel

Hammel originally came to the Cubs in 2014 as a free agent, signing a one-year contract. Near the trade deadline, Hammel was included as “the other guy” in the Jeff Samardzija–Addison Russell trade. That one has worked out pretty well for the Cubs.

Hammel did the rare re-sign for two years and $20 million in the next offseason. The contract included an option for a third year, which neither side accepted, making Hammel a free agent. The Hammer’s time in Chicago were easily the best years of his career. Hammel has a career earned run average of 4.46, and with the Cubs, he clocked in at a solid 3.59 ERA.

Jason took his talents to Kansas City last offseason, for a similar two-year, $16 million deal, with a mutual option for a third year. So far with the Royals, it’s not been a smooth ride, by any means. Hammel is currently sporting the highest ERA of his career, at 5.04, giving up 110 hits in 94 2/3 innings, with 77 strikeouts and 13 home runs allowed.

Travis Wood

Woody first came to the Cubs in the winter of 2011, from the division rival Cincinnati Reds. The southpaw made a career in the Windy City, as he had a career season in 2013, pitching 200 innings with a 3.11 ERA.

Chicago Cubs

2014 was a step back, pitching to a 5.03 earned run average. In the 2015 season, the Cubs decided to make him a reliever, and he flourished. He pitched to a 3.84 ERA in 2015, and an even lower 2.95 in 2016, performing as a vital member of the Cubs’ bullpen.

Woody also became kind of a cult figure in Chicago due to his pop with the bat. He hit eight home runs as a hitter, including one in the playoffs last year, against the Giants, that will forever be an iconic moment in Cub history. Throw in his catch against the wall while playing left field during the regular season, and it’s easy to see how unforgettable Wood truly is.

After last season, Wood joined Jason Hammel in Kansas City, signing a two year deal, worth $12 million, with a mutual option for 2019. A lot like Hammel, again, Wood has struggled.

He has pitched to a 6.06 ERA so far, giving up 40 hits in 32.2 innings, with 19 walks, and 24 strikeouts.

Jorge Soler

The hype around this man was so ridiculous – in a good way. He was the perfect mix of power, discipline and featured a rocket arm. Defecting from Havana, Cuba, the Cubs signed Soler to a reported nine-year deal, worth $30 million. There was, and is, one minor problem. He has a little trouble staying healthy.

Soler earned his first call-up with Chicago in 2014, making an impact in his first at-bat. He crushed a home run against the Reds – sending fans into a frenzy.

Since then? He’s been stagnant and mediocre, to say the least. To say Soler’s career has been underwhelming would be an understatement. Soler was loved by Cubs fans simply because of the majestic blasts he hit, and how young he was. It probably has something to do with how much he destroyed the Cardinals, and his playoff resume. His playoff slash line reads .344/.488/.781, with three dingers.

Along with the the two players listed above, Soler now plays for the Royals. He was traded last offseason for Wade Davis, straight-up. Also, much like the two listed above, his first year has been a struggle.

His slash currently reads .159/.253/.284. Soler was even sent down to Triple-A at one point…in which he proceeded to hit 11 home runs in 111 at-bats, while slashing .324/.453/.667. Could Soler be a AAAA player? Time will tell. One thing is true, Georgie Sunshine has all the potential in the world, and the Royals are going to give him every opportunity to reach it.

Next: Former Cubs hurlers may be targets for team