MLB's annual rankings of worst contracts are seeing significant changes. With players like Stephen Strasburg retired and Patrick Corbin's deal expiring, teams are reevaluating their financial commitments. Free agency can be a gamble, as seen with contracts like those of Jeimer Candelario and Mitch Haniger. Some deals, however, are outright flops with higher salaries and more significant stakes.

Uncovering the Most Troublesome Contracts in MLB

J.T. Realmuto's Contract: A Tale of High Expectations and Disappointment

When the Miami Marlins signed J.T. Realmuto in 2019, it was a major move. The six-year, $110 million deal seemed like a solid investment. However, over the past few seasons, Realmuto's performance has not lived up to the hype. In 2023, he had a batting average of.250 with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs. His on-base percentage dropped to.320, and his slugging percentage was.430. These numbers are far from what the Marlins expected when they signed him. The team is now left with a player who is not delivering the value they paid for.Realmuto's defense has also been a concern. He has made some costly errors in the field, which has cost the Marlins runs. In 2023 alone, his -10 defensive runs saved was one of the worst among catchers. The Marlins are now facing the difficult decision of whether to keep investing in a player who is not performing at a high level or to move on and look for a better option.

Corey Kluber's Contract: A Struggle to Stay Healthy and Perform

Corey Kluber's career has been marked by his exceptional pitching ability. However, his recent contract with the New York Yankees has been a source of frustration. The four-year, $85 million deal was signed with high hopes, but Kluber has been plagued by injuries.In 2023, Kluber only pitched 75 innings due to various injuries. His ERA was 4.20, which is not what the Yankees expected from a pitcher of his caliber. When he was on the mound, he showed flashes of his old self, but the inconsistency due to his injuries has been a major issue.The Yankees are now in a bind. They have committed a significant amount of money to a player who has not been able to stay healthy and perform at a high level. They will need to decide whether to continue to invest in Kluber or look for a more reliable option to fill their rotation.

Max Scherzer's Contract: Age and Injuries Taking a Toll

Max Scherzer is one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history. His seven-year, $210 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers was seen as a coup for the team. However, as Scherzer has aged, his performance has started to decline.In 2023, Scherzer had an ERA of 3.80, which is still respectable but not at the level he was once at. He also missed significant time due to injuries, which has affected the Dodgers' rotation. The team is now facing the challenge of trying to manage Scherzer's workload and keep him healthy while still getting the performance they need from him.Scherzer's contract is a reminder that even the best players in the league can start to decline as they age. The Dodgers will need to make some tough decisions in the coming years to ensure that they are getting the most out of their investment in Scherzer.