Two years ago, the Kyle Schwarber leadoff experiment went down in flames. Across 173 plate appearances, the slugging outfielder slashed .190/.312/.381/.693, striking out 48 times. That it lasted as long as it did (37 games) is a wonder.
Not only did Schwarber lose his role with the club in response to that lackluster effort, but the former first round draft pick was optioned to Triple-A, where he spent 11 games before returning to the team. He never again graced the leadoff role following his demotion, ending the 2017 campaign with a 99 OPS+ and 150 strikeouts over 129 games.