The Biggest Busts of the 2022 MLB Season

Playoff baseball is living up to the hype so far. Julio Rodriguez, Yordan Álvarez, Ronald Acuña Jr., Trea Turner and Bryce Harper are among the stars leaving an impression. Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander and Robbie Ray struggled on the mound.

Nelson Cruz signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Washington Nationals last year. He posted a career-low in slugging percentage and his worst batting average and OPS since 2006. Cruz is not ready to retire, but he is no longer a trade-deadline option.

Joey Bart was sent to Triple-A in June. He had the highest strikeout rate in baseball at one point. In August he slashed .328/.371/.517 and cut down his strikeouts to 21 percent. His performance in the final month of the season was more in line with what he was doing before. San Francisco has greater needs this offseason, including re-signing Carlos Rodon and addressing the outfield.

Trevor Rogers finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2021. His numbers got worse in 2022. He spent a month on the injured list with back spasms and then was shut down in mid-September with a lat strain.

Jarred Kelenic was one of MLB's top prospects in 2021, but he still has not lived up to the hype. Last year, he slashed .181/.265/.350 with 14 home runs and a strikeout percentage of 28.1%. This year he was even worse, slashing .141/.221/.313 with seven home Runs and increasing the strikeouts to 33.7%. He was optioned to Triple-A twice this year. Now, Seattle is relying on him to play a major role in its first postseason run since 2001.

Spencer Torkelson was a disappointing player for the Tigers this season. He ranked in the bottom 15 among qualified rookies in wRC+ and recorded more strikeouts than hits. He was considered a contender for Rookie of the Year before the season, but he didn't perform well.

Yusei Kikuchi was an All-Star last year but has not been the same since. He was demoted from the Blue Jays rotation to the bullpen in August. Kevin Gausman was the replacement for Robbie Ray.  

Josh Hader was traded from Milwaukee to San Diego. He didn't work well as a trade chip or an acquisition. His ERA in 19 regular-season games with SanDiego was 7.31. Hade hasn't given up an earned run since Sept. 5.

Trey Mancini was signed by the Houston Astros at the deadline. He's played left field, first base, DH, pinch hit twice and played in 20 of 51 games as the DH. Mciancino is slashing .176/.258/.364 with Houston.

Craig Kimbrel is a Hall of Fame closer. He was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the White Sox last year. In April, he was sold to Los Angeles for A.J. Pollock. Kim bred the highest ERA (3.75) of his career with at least 60 appearances.