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

By Erik Mauro

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: (L-R) Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein, former Cubs players Jason Hammel, Jorge Soler, Travis Wood, Joe Maddon
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: (L-R) Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein, former Cubs players Jason Hammel, Jorge Soler, Travis Wood, Joe Maddon /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 07: Jason Hammel #39 of the Kansas City Royals pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on July 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 07: Jason Hammel #39 of the Kansas City Royals pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on July 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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.

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