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

Trio of champs reunited in Kansas City

With no baseball to cover the next couple days, we decided to bring you updates on some former Chicago Cubs players in our ‘Where are they now?” feature. Periodically, throughout the year, we will bring you updates on these names, and their whereabouts these days.

Whether they are still active, or non-active, all of these guys have some place in Cubs lore. So, without further ado, here is the first installment.

Cubs fans tend to always cheer for former players, for the most part, of course, there are a few exceptions, Milton Bradley (see above) and Ryan Theriot, namely (man, he’s got a big mouth). But, regardless, Cubs fans really take to the mantra of “Once a Cub, always a Cub.” These three guys will always be Cubs, whether their time in Chicago was good or not.

We’ll open this installment with three members of last year’s World Championship team – all of whom are now members of the Kansas City Royals organization.

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.

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