Kansas City Royals All-Time Worst 25 Man Roster

Jun 6, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of baseball gear before a game between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Sanchez – Starting Pitcher

A hard throwing left hander, Jonathan Sanchez tantalized with his raw stuff. The problem was that he was unable to command his pitches, routinely walking over four batters per nine innings. However, as a controllable pitcher who seemingly had plenty of upside if he could harness his stuff, Sanchez was certainly an intriguing option.

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After what appeared to be a career year from Melky Cabrera, the Royals sent him to the Giants for Sanchez and Ryan Verdugo. Cabrera continued to perform well, but Sanchez imploded for the Royals. He lasted all of twelve outings, posting a 1-6 record with a 7.76 ERA. In his 53.1 innings, Sanchez allowed 65 hits while issuing 44 walks.

Sanchez did manage to make a positive impact upon the Royals. Three days after being designated for assignment, he was traded to the Colorado Rockies for Jeremy Guthrie, a move that paid dividends for the Royals. Sanchez, meanwhile, continued to struggle and has not made a major league appearance since April 2013.

The Royals likely felt they were selling high on Cabrera and getting a talented pitcher at a reduced cost. Instead, Jonathan Sanchez was a disaster in every way possible.

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