4 former KC Royals who’ve disappointed this season

Major league players come and go. Sooner or later, time wins its battles with them and they find themselves leaving the game on their own accord or by the unilateral choice of their employers. The departures are bittersweet affairs; take the final few days of KC Royals great George Brett’s career, for example.

Long before the prospect of imminent retirement rears its head, though, big league players have good years, bad years, and seasons that fall somewhere in the middle of the performance spectrum.

Unfortunately for four ex-Royals, the 2022 season is sizing up as closer to bad than good. Their performances have been disappointing.

Who are they?

At least for now, former KC Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain isn’t playing.

Saturday’s news that former KC Royals star center fielder and fan favorite Lorenzo Cain was designated for assignment by Milwaukee was expected. Although Cain still offered the Brewers valuable intangibles and a good glove, his bat had simply deteriorated too much.

Sadly, and in stark contrast to his career .283 average and .343 OBP, Cain’s line was .179/.231/.234 when he and Milwaukee, the club with whom he began his 13-season career, and he reportedly agreed it was time for him to go.

Whether Cain finds another big league club to join, or even pursues such an opportunity, remains to be seen.

Cain, though, isn’t the only former Royal who’s disappointed this season.

Two infielders and a pitcher who used to call Kansas City home are struggling with new clubs.