This continues my series of “awards” for the 2022 campaign, but as you can see, this title isn’t exactly one that anyone is hoping to receive. The Braves have had an incredible season, thanks in large part to some unexpected contributions from young stars. However, there have also been several players that have underachieved.
If you missed the first part of this series, follow the link below:
Ian Anderson
This was actually a really difficult decision. Marcell Ozuna has been abysmal — both on and off the field. But my expectations for him were so low that he didn’t warrant this recognition. Eddie Rosario hasn’t been much better, but an eye injury has played a major factor in his struggles, so I gave him a pass. This nomination came down to two players — Ian Anderson and Kenley Jansen — both of whom I had high expectations for coming into the season.
I really wanted to go with Jansen here because I was so excited when the Braves signed him this offseason, and he just hasn’t been the guy I thought he would be, especially recently. In his last seven outings, his ERA is north of 11, and he’s blown three saves. I don’t even think he should continue to be the closer, but it appears Brian Snitker will stick with him through this rough patch.
But at least Jansen leads the league in saves and has had dominant stretches. Ian Anderson isn’t even on the team anymore after posting an even 5.00 ERA over 22 starts, and he’s been equally as ineffective since being demoted to AAA Gwinnett. This is a guy who was expected to be a staple of the Braves rotation and a key piece to the team in the postseason, considering his unbelievable 1.26 playoff ERA over 35.2 innings. Now, it’s highly unlikely we even see Anderson in October. I still think he has a bright future ahead of him, but 2022 looks like it will be one to forget for the 24-year-old right-hander.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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