While some MLBers will continue to celebrate the fond memories of an incredible 2017 season, others will surely be glad it's over.
Here are five players who struggled through disappointing campaigns and are presumably thankful for the new year that's approaching.
Albert Pujols, Angels, DH
2017 stats: 149 G, 636 PA, 53 R, .286 OBP, .672 OPS
At 37 years old, Pujols is no longer the player he once was. The three-time MVP struggled through the worst season of his career for the Los Angeles Angels in 2017, posting an 81 OPS+, which was 106 points lower than league-leading teammate Mike Trout. Don't let the power numbers fool you either; though Pujols hit 23 home runs and drove in 101 RBIs, he was worth a total of -2.0 fWAR, which was MLB's lowest mark among qualified hitters.
Dansby Swanson, Braves, SS
2017 stats: 144 G, 551 PA, 6 HR, .232 BA, .636 OPS
After a promising 38-game debut in 2016, Swanson was the clear-cut choice to win 2017 NL Rookie of the Year, but things didn't go swimmingly for the Georgia product. The former first overall selection struggled to do much offensively despite being given an abundance of opportunities. His wRC+ of 66 was the third-worst among qualified shortstops behind only Alcides Escobar and Jose Peraza, while his isolated power mark of 0.92 was only better than speedsters Peraza, Dee Gordon, and Billy Hamilton. Even Swanson's glove was below average. Only Matt Kemp and Tyler Flowers posted lower scores than Swanson's minus-7 in defensive runs saved among Braves players with at least 100 innings of action.
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers, 1B
2017 stats: 130 G, 529 PA, 16 HR, .249 BA, 92 OPS+
After 14 consecutive seasons as one of the best hitters in baseball, Cabrera finally had an off year - and things really came crumbling down for the two-time MVP. Miggy tried to play through two herniated discs in his back for much of the season and just couldn't produce like the player of old. His 117 hits were the lowest mark since his 87-game rookie season, and he only managed to cross the plate for a run 50 times. His K% (20.8) broke the 20 percent mark for the first time in 13 years while his .313 wOBA was a career low. It may be hard to believe, but Cabrera - arguably one of the greatest hitters in baseball history - was worth -0.2 fWAR last season.
Alex Gordon, Royals, OF
2017 stats: 148 G, 541 PA, 9 HR, .208 BA, .608 OPS
Since re-signing with the Kansas City Royals for four years at $72 million in 2016, Gordon hasn't done much to warrant such a contract, but last season was nothing short of abysmal. Gordon's .315 slugging was the lowest in baseball among qualified players, and his wRC+ of 62 only topped Rougned Odor's 61. Because the 33-year-old - who did win his fifth Gold Glove in 2017 - offered some defensive value, his overall worth last season was 0.0 fWAR. But, at $16 million in 2017 and with a guaranteed $40 million left on his contract, the Royals are probably regretting that deal.
Jose Bautista, Blue Jays, OF
2017 stats: 157 G, 686 PA, 170 SO, .203 BA, .674 OPS
The party in Toronto had to end sometime. After establishing himself as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Blue Jays uniform, Bautista fell off the planet last season. The 37-year-old, six-time All-Star broke the franchise's single-season strikeout record by whiffing 170 times, posted his lowest OPS+ (76) since becoming a regular in Toronto's lineup, and made for some puzzling moments in Toronto's outfield. Bautista's tenure with the Blue Jays is likely over, but there will always be the bat flip.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
