Jake Lamb is a professional baseball player who has experienced both success and setbacks throughout his career. The third baseman has played for several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and most recently, the Los Angeles Angels.
Lamb’s career has been marked by impressive breakout seasons, injuries, struggles, and a recent resurgence. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Lamb’s journey, including his early career, his major league experiences, and what led him to sign a minor league contract with the Angels in 2022.
We’ll also explore the potential for a comeback season and what the future may hold for this talented player.
Lamb’s Early Career
Lamb’s College Career at University of Washington
Jake Lamb was born on October 9, 1990, in Seattle, Washington. He attended Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle before going on to play college baseball at the University of Washington.
During his time at Washington, Lamb played in 169 games and hit .323 with 23 home runs and 103 RBI. He was also named to the All-Pac-12 team in 2012.
Being Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks
After his college career, Lamb was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. He spent the next few years in the Diamondbacks’ minor league system, working his way up through the ranks.
Lamb’s Debut With the Diamondbacks
Lamb made his Major League debut with the Diamondbacks on August 7, 2014, against the Kansas City Royals. He went 0-for-4 in his debut but quickly made an impact in the following games.
In just his third game, Lamb hit his first Major League home run off of pitcher Johnny Cueto. He finished the 2014 season with a .230 batting average, 4 home runs, and 11 RBI in 37 games.
Lamb’s Major League Career
Breakout Season in 2016
Lamb’s breakout season came in 2016, his second full season in the Major Leagues. That year, he hit .249 with 29 home runs, 91 RBI, and a .844 OPS. He was named to the National League All-Star team and finished eighth in the NL MVP voting.
Injuries and Struggles in 2017 and 2018
After his breakout season, Lamb battled injuries and struggled to replicate his success in the following years. In 2017, he missed significant time due to a shoulder injury and hit just .248 with 6 home runs and 45 RBI in 107 games.
The following year, he played in only 56 games due to a shoulder injury and a quad strain, batting .222 with 6 home runs and 31 RBI.
Trade to Oakland Athletics in 2020
In the 2020 season, Lamb was traded to the Oakland Athletics in August. He played in 13 games for the Athletics, hitting .267 with 1 home run and 4 RBI.
Limited Playing Time and Struggles With the Athletics
Lamb re-signed with the Athletics for the 2021 season, but he struggled to find playing time and didn’t produce at the plate when he did get opportunities.
In 31 games with the Athletics in 2021, Lamb hit just .212 with 1 home run and 5 RBI. He was designated for assignment in early May and became a free agent.
Lamb’s 2021 Season
Signing With the Atlanta Braves
After being designated for assignment by the Athletics in May 2021, Lamb signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. He was called up to the Major League roster in early June and played in 31 games for the Braves.
Struggles With the Braves and Being Designated for Assignment
Lamb struggled at the plate during his time with the Braves, hitting just .116 with 1 home run and 5 RBI in 52 at-bats. He was designated for assignment by the Braves in late July and became a free agent.
Claimed Off Waivers by the Chicago Cubs
Shortly after being designated for assignment by the Braves, Lamb was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs. He quickly found success with his new team.
Strong Performance With the Cubs
Lamb played in 43 games for the Cubs in the second half of the 2021 season, hitting .233 with 9 home runs and 25 RBI in 128 at-bats. He also showed versatility by playing both first base and third base.
His strong performance with the Cubs earned him a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2022.
Lamb’s Future
Signing a Minor League Contract With the Los Angeles Angels
In December 2022, Jake Lamb signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The contract includes an invitation to spring training, where Lamb will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Major League roster.
Potential for a Comeback Season
After struggling with injuries and inconsistencies in recent years, Lamb showed signs of a resurgence with the Cubs in the second half of the 2021 season. If he can carry that success over to 2023, Lamb has the potential to have a comeback season and become a valuable asset to the Angels.
Uncertainty About His Role With the Angels
While Lamb has the opportunity to compete for a roster spot with the Angels, his role on the team is uncertain. The Angels already have several established infielders on their roster, including Anthony Rendon, David Fletcher, and Jose Iglesias.
Lamb may have to compete for playing time as a backup or platoon player, depending on how the Angels decide to structure their lineup.
Overall, Lamb’s future with the Angels is uncertain, but his past success and recent resurgence suggest that he has the potential to be a valuable contributor if given the opportunity.
Jake Lamb’s Major League Career
| Season | Team | Games Played | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Arizona Diamondbacks | 37 | .230 | 4 | 11 |
| 2015 | Arizona Diamondbacks | 107 | .248 | 6 | 45 |
| 2016 | Arizona Diamondbacks | 151 | .249 | 29 | 91 |
| 2017 | Arizona Diamondbacks | 107 | .248 | 6 | 45 |
| 2018 | Arizona Diamondbacks | 56 | .222 | 6 | 31 |
| 2020 | Oakland Athletics | 13 | .267 | 1 | 4 |
| 2021 | Atlanta Braves | 31 | .116 | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 | Chicago Cubs | 43 | .233 | 9 | 25 |
This table provides a quick overview of the teams Jake Lamb has played for and his performance in each season, including games played, batting average, home runs, and RBI.
FAQs
How did Jake Lamb get his start in baseball?
Jake Lamb played college baseball at the University of Washington, where he had an impressive career and was eventually drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2012.
What positions can Jake Lamb play?
Jake Lamb is primarily a third baseman, but he has also played some first base in his Major League career.
Has Jake Lamb won any awards during his career?
Yes, Jake Lamb was named to the National League All-Star team in 2016, and he finished eighth in the NL MVP voting that year.
What teams has Jake Lamb played for?
Jake Lamb has played for several Major League teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Angels.
What is Jake Lamb’s batting style?
Jake Lamb is a left-handed hitter.
What is Jake Lamb’s contract status with the Los Angeles Angels?
Jake Lamb signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2022, which includes an invitation to spring training. If he performs well, he may earn a spot on the Major League roster.
Conclusion
Jake Lamb’s career has been marked by both success and setbacks. After a standout college career at the University of Washington, Lamb was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks and made his Major League debut in 2014.
He had a breakout season in 2016 but struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the following years. In 2021, Lamb signed with the Atlanta Braves but struggled at the plate and was designated for assignment. However, he bounced back with a strong performance for the Chicago Cubs later in the season.
Lamb’s future with the Los Angeles Angels is uncertain, but he has the potential to make a comeback and become a valuable contributor if given the opportunity.
While there is uncertainty about his role on the team given the Angels’ current infield situation, Lamb’s versatility and recent success suggest that he could play a valuable role as a backup or platoon player.
Regardless of how his future with the Angels unfolds, Lamb’s journey serves as a reminder of the ups and downs that professional athletes can face and the resilience required to overcome adversity.
