The Cubs' pitching history is filled with memorable names and performances. One such player who left his mark is Jason Hammel. Let's delve into his time with the Cubs and his significance in their 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Remembering Jason Hammel's Cubs Journey

2014: A Reliable Addition

Before joining the Cubs in 2014, Hammel had a career ERA of 4.80 from 2006 to 2013. But with a one-year, $6 million contract, he became a reliable innings-eater for the team. In 108 ⅔ innings, he pitched to a 2.98 ERA and 3.19 FIP. His performance was so good that he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in July.This trade brought in Billy McKinney, Dan Straily, and Addison Russell, showing the Cubs' confidence in Hammel's abilities.

2015: A Career Year

In 2015, Hammel had a remarkable season. He started 31 games for the Cubs and posted a 3.74 ERA, 3.68 FIP, and 2.3 FanGraphs WAR. His career-high 172 strikeouts were 17 percent higher than the league average, and his strikeout rate of 24.2 percent was far above his career rate of 18.2 percent.During the 2015 NLDS, his plate appearance in the bottom of the second inning against John Lackey was memorable. His single led to a Javier Baez three-run home run, and the Cubs went on to win the game and clinch a spot in the NLCS.

2016: A Shift in Role

After the 2015 season, the Cubs signed John Lackey, bumping Hammel to the fifth spot in the pitching rotation. In 2016, he put up an almost identical 3.83 ERA but had a higher 4.48 FIP and his strikeout rate dropped closer to his career average. As a result, he did not make an appearance in the 2016 playoffs despite the Cubs' first World Series win in 108 years.

Post-Cubs Career

After the Cubs declined his team option for 2017, Hammel signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Kansas City Royals. He pitched two mostly ineffective seasons before retiring before the 2019 season.Even though he didn't play a huge role in the 2016 playoffs, Hammel was an integral part of the 2015 and 2016 regular seasons. The Cubs won 200 games combined during these two years, and Hammel helped form a reliable pitching rotation. In 2016 alone, he combined with Lester, Arrieta, Hendricks, and Lackey to make 152 starts, which is unheard of in the modern game.So, today we remember Jason Hammel - reliable, durable, and unsung. He was an important member of one of the most memorable sports seasons in our lifetime.