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One has to consider multiple aspects when discussing the worst MLB contracts 2022. I mean, it’s one thing to struggle on a team-friendly deal, and another to do it while making $30+ million a season. The standard is just different.
Worst MLB contracts 2022
Long before the NBA and NFL started signing players to massive, record-breaking deals, Major League Baseball ballclubs were already signing blank checks. Needless to say, that’s a gamble that’s more likely to be a mistake than a big success down the line.
Sometimes, teams sign their players to big contracts as a thank you for their past contributions. Then, they’re no longer able to produce at the same level. Others get a big deal out of their projections, but injuries, bad luck, or a poor work ethic prevents them from reaching their potential.
At the end of the day, the players shouldn’t be to blame for all the money they make, it’s the teams that agree to meet their financial pretensions or not. Also, most of the time those deals seem logical and refusing to pay up could be considered an even bigger mistake.
Whatever is the case, multiple players have completely fleeced their teams out of massive paydays. Here, we’re going to talk about some of them, letting you know about the top 10 worst contracts for the 2022 Major League Baseball season.
10. Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera‘s contract would’ve been ranked higher but he’s had a pretty decent season in 2022, turning back the clock and looking healthier than ever. Then again, and even though he’s one of the greatest players in MLB history, he’ll need to do way more to pay up that 8-year, $248 million monster deal he signed.
Miggy still has $72 million left in his contract. The latest addition to the 3,000-hit club is reportedly planning to retire after the 2023 campaign. That pretty much means that the Detroit Tigers will buy him out of his club option for the 2024 season.
9. Stephen Strasburg
Despite being under one of the worst MLB contracts right now, Stephen Strasburg earned his payday. He’s a World Series MVP and one of the most underrated hurlers in all of baseball. However, that’s worth nothing when you’re not able to play.
Strasburg has pitched 26.2 innings since signing that massive contract after the 2019 World Series. He signed a mammoth seven-year, $245 million contract and is still owed a whopping $175 million from a team that’s years away from contention.
8. Eric Hosmer
Eric Hosmer is one of the most overpaid MLB players right now. He was an All-Star in Kansas City and the San Diego Padres needed to pay up to acquire his services. Then again, he’s been average at best since taking his talents to Petco Park.
Hosmer signed an eight-year pact worth $144 million and he’s still due to make $59 million. The Padres have been trying to trade him for quite some time now but the chances of someone absorbing such a massive salary are quite slim at this point.
7. Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton hasn’t been able to replicate the success he had with the Miami Marlins since joining the New York Yankees. It’s not that he’s a scrub or anything but he just can’t stay healthy. Moreover, we’re talking about a guy who was signed to a 13-year deal.
Stanton is quite productive when healthy, but that’s rarely the case. He’s still owed a whopping $189 million and has done little to pay his contract’s worth thus far. Hopefully, he’ll finally be able to stay on the field and silence his critics once and for all.
6. Madison Bumgarner
There’s no doubt that Madison Bumgarner is one of the best pitchers of his generation. A dominant hurler who put the San Francisco Giants on his back over and over amid countless postseason runs. But, why would the Arizona Diamondbacks of all teams want to pay him that much money?
Bumgarner is turning back the clock this season after a dreadful start to his career in Arizona. He’s still owed $60 million after committing to a five-year, $85 million pact on a team that has zero chance of making the playoffs. They’d be glad to try and trade him, but no one’s going to pay that much for an aging pitcher.
5. Patrick Corbin
The Washington Nationals were quite thankful to Patrick Corbin after he helped them win the World Series in 2019. But just like Strasburg, he hasn’t been able to stay at that level ever since, struggling with his control and giving up big hit after big hit.
Corbin was baseball’s leader in home runs allowed, earned runs, and losses last season. That’s not what you want from a guy you signed to a six-year, $140 million contract. The worst part is that there are no takers for his services and that he’s still owed $92 million.
4. Jason Heyward
Not so long ago, the Chicago Cubs were legit World Series contenders. Part of that was thanks to Jason Heyward, who helped the team win the title for the first time in over a century back in 2016. Fast-forward to today, and Heyward has done little to help the franchise ever since.
Heyward signed an eight-year, $184 million contract and still has $64 million left to be paid. Despite being an elite defender, his offense continues to plummet as the years go by. Also, his contract includes up to $20 million in deferrals that can be paid out through 2027.
3. Chris Sale
All things considered, Chris Sale could be among the worst contracts in MLB history. Before all the injuries, he signed a five-year, $145 million contract and even he admitted that he’s only given the Boston Red Sox one full season ever since.
Sale has barely been able to be on the mound and hasn’t even played this season, yet he’s still making $30 million. When healthy, the southpaw has been one of the most dominant aces in the league by a long stretch. Hopefully, he’ll be able to shake off his multiple ailments and finally live up to that contract.
2. Robinson Cano
Robinson Cano‘s career was set to end in Cooperstown but multiple PED scandals pretty much killed his chances. He’s now under one of the worst MLB contracts still being paid after the New York Mets parted ways with him. He’s still owed $48 million.
Cano signed a ten-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners and was one of the most productive second basemen of all time. But after a year away from the game and a sluggish start to the season, it’s clear that his best years are far behind him.
1. David Price
David Price has a strong chance to be the worst addition in Los Angeles Dodgers history. He sat out the COVID-19 shortened season, then came back next year but wasn’t ready to start. He was mediocre at best as a long-reliever/starter and wasn’t even featured in the playoffs.
Now, despite being fully healthy, Price hasn’t been on the mound for Dave Roberts‘ team. They’re reportedly trying to trade him, but there’s no market for a 36-year-old still due $32 million for the season. He signed a seven-year, $217 million deal but has been a shell of himself for three years now.
