Introduction

The 2024-25 MLB free agency period sparked excitement among teams and fans, with numerous players landing lucrative contracts. However, as the season unfolds, some early concerns have arisen about whether certain signings may end up being busts. In this article, we take a deeper dive into players whose performances may not match their contracts and explore the potential implications for their new teams.

Anthony Santander's Troubling Start

One player who has already faced difficulties is slugger Anthony Santander, signed by the Toronto Blue Jays to a five-year, $92.5 million deal. Last season, Santander struggled significantly, posting a disappointing .565 OPS over just 54 games due to a left shoulder injury. Unfortunately, his struggles appear to continue into year two, as he underwent shoulder surgery at the beginning of Spring Training. Recovery is expected to sideline him for five to six months, raising questions about his long-term viability in Toronto.

Concerns Surrounding Other Free Agents

While Santander's situation is particularly dire, several other high-profile players have shown concerning trends, raising speculation about their performance and longevity in their new teams. Some notable candidates include:

Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette

Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, both qualified free agents, secured hefty contracts with new teams, but their situations warrant caution. Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers to join one of the most formidable rosters in MLB history. However, Tucker’s injury history looms large, making him a potential risk. On the other hand, Bichette's three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets comes with its own uncertainties. If Bichette excels in his first season, he can opt out, leaving the Mets with limited options concerning young talent acquisition.

J.T. Realmuto's Durability Concerns

Another player to keep an eye on is J.T. Realmuto, who returned to the Philadelphia Phillies with a three-year, $45 million deal. Realmuto remains a key figure behind the plate, catching over 1,100 innings during his age-34 season. However, doubts linger about his capacity to maintain such a workload. After an average decline in offensive production, questions arise regarding his ability to reach incentive-based targets in his new contract.

Health Risks: Brandon Woodruff and Jorge Polanco

Health plays a pivotal role in assessing risk. Brandon Woodruff accepted a one-year $22.025 million qualifying offer from the Milwaukee Brewers after missing the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. Although he performed well upon returning, a lat strain ended his season prematurely, raising alarms about his reliability moving forward.

Similarly, Jorge Polanco, who recently signed a two-year $40 million deal with the Mets, brings notable potential given his successful previous season. However, his recent health history—playing in only 302 of 486 games from 2021 to 2023—makes him a risky addition. Transitioning to first base adds further uncertainty, particularly as he has limited experience at the position.

Potential Risks for Ranger Suárez and Gleyber Torres

Ranger Suárez joins a star-studded rotation but has faced his own injury issues over the past few seasons. His five-year, $130 million deal raises eyebrows given concerns about how these injuries might impact performance in the long run.

Meanwhile, Gleyber Torres accepted a one-year qualifying offer from the Detroit Tigers. While there are flashes of brilliance in his performance, he’s also demonstrated significant inconsistency throughout his career. The Tigers could find themselves regretting that decision if Torres fails to produce.

The Rockies' Difficult Pitching Challenges

Pitchers signing with the Colorado Rockies often face unique challenges due to the infamous Coors Field effect. Michael Lorenzen's $8 million deal and Tomoyuki Sugano's one-year, $5.1 million contract with the Rockies raise questions about their future success, especially after Sugano's rollercoaster performance in previous seasons.

Adolis García’s Future and the Cardinals’ Gamble on Dustin May

Adolis García has revised expectations as he joins Philadelphia on a one-year, $10 million deal. His performance trajectory could play a vital role for a team in need of improved offense, but risk factors abound given his recent subpar performance at the plate.

Dustin May, signed by the rebuilding Cardinals to a one-year $12 million deal, presents another gamble. With concern about his injury history, May’s potential remains but could easily result in disappointment for the team.

Conclusion

The early signs from the 2024-25 free-agent class indicate there may be several players at risk of becoming high-cost busts. While some have delivered promising performances in the past, the convergence of injuries, contract pressures, and team expectations suggests a tumultuous road ahead. As the season unfolds, teams will be closely monitoring these players, hoping they defy the odds and contribute significantly to their respective franchises.