Jason Hammel Stats
- Height / Weight
- 6' 6" / 225 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 9/2/1982 (41)
- Experience
- 13
Jason Hammel Season Stats
Last 10 Games
Jason Hammel News
Texas Rangers SP Jason Hammel threw a bullpen session on Monday, as he starts his trek to a potential spot on the 40-man roster. He is in camp with the Rangers on a minor-league deal, looking to resurrect his career after a dismal 12-27 run with a 5.59 ERA over the past two seasons with the Kansas City Royals. The veteran said a couple of problems kept him from being successful in K.C., including not being able to put away hitters consistently with two strikes and being too reliant on his slider and not trusting his slower curveball and changeup. He is a long shot for a rotation spot at this point, and warrants little in the way of fantasy consideration, but that could change as the season progresses.
The Kansas City Royals declined their $12 million 2019 option on starting pitcher Jason Hammel on Tuesday, making him a free agent. Hammel was pretty bad all around in 2018, going 4-14 with a 6.02 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 6.5 K/9 over 39 outings (18 starts) for the Royals. The veteran right-hander shouldn't be drafted in any format in 2019.
The Kansas City Royals have a history of success in converting starting pitchers to relievers, and it looks like Jason Hammel may be next. Hammel was sent to the bullpen on July 8 with a 6.16 ERA, and he's pitched eight innings in short relief since then. Over that period, he's posted a 3.38 ERA with an astounding 1.79 FIP. His K/9 went from 5.80 beforehand to 7.88 since. His walks are down, his ground ball rate is up, and he's throwing his fastballs, sinkers, and sliders 1.5 MPH harder on average. This doesn't mean Hammel is no longer 35 years old or definitely going to become a premiere reliever, but it does mean there's at least a glimmer of hope that his career isn't over. Fantasy owners in holds leagues should keep an eye out. Surprisingly enough, Jason Hammel may become a player to own.