The Shocking Reality of Bad Contracts in Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) has become a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, with teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates reportedly raking in profits. Yet, amidst the financial success, some contracts have proven to be exceptionally damaging, raising eyebrows across the league. As we approach the 2026 season, we take a closer look at the ten worst contracts currently plaguing the world of MLB.

Top 10 Worst MLB Contracts: The Class of 2026

To rate these contracts, we established specific criteria. A contract must have been disappointing and have multiple years and substantial sums remaining to qualify. Here’s what we’ve found:

1. Antonio Senzatela - Colorado Rockies

Age: 302025 Stats: 30 G (23 GS), 130.0 IP, 192 H (22 HR), 73 K, 47 BB, 6.65 ERAContract Status: Year 5 of 5-year, $50.5 millionWAR During Contract: 0.0

Extending Senzatela alongside C.J. Cron in 2021, during a rebuilding phase, has proven to be a perplexing decision. In his five seasons, he has posted disappointing numbers, suffering from injuries that sidelined him through 2022-2024.

2. Nick Castellanos - Philadelphia Phillies

Age: 332025 Stats: 147 G, 589 PA, 17 HR, 4 SB, .250 AVG, .294 OBP, .400 SLGContract Status: Year 5 of 5-year, $100 millionWAR During Contract: 1.3

Castellanos had moments of brilliance in the postseason, but his regular-season performance has left much to be desired, making this contract feel burdensome for the Phillies.

3. Taijuan Walker - Philadelphia Phillies

Age: 322025 Stats: 34 G (21 GS), 123.2 IP, 132 H (21 HR), 86 K, 42 BB, 4.08 ERAContract Status: Year 4 of 4-year, $72 millionWAR During Contract: 2.4

Though Walker was expected to provide valuable depth, his subsequent performance has fallen short, leading to disappointment in his contract value.

4. Javier Báez - Detroit Tigers

Age: 322025 Stats: 126 G, 437 PA, 12 HR, 5 SB, .257 AVG, .282 OBP, .398 SLGContract Status: Year 5 of 6-year, $140 millionWAR During Contract: 3.9

Báez seemed to improve this season, but inconsistency lingers, leaving doubts about his future with the Tigers.

5. Masataka Yoshida - Boston Red Sox

Age: 322025 Stats: 55 G, 205 PA, 4 HR, 3 SB, .266 AVG, .307 OBP, .388 SLGContract Status: Year 4 of 5-year, $90 millionWAR During Contract: 3.0

Yoshida displayed potential in his rookie season, but injury plagued his progression, leaving the Red Sox in a tricky situation.

6. Andrew Benintendi - Chicago White Sox

Age: 312025 Stats: 116 G, 470 PA, 20 HR, 1 SB, .240 AVG, .307 OBP, .431 SLGContract Status: Year 4 of 5-year, $75 millionWAR During Contract: 0.6

The White Sox's investment in Benintendi has yet to pay dividends, leading to frustration for both the team and fans.

7. Lance McCullers Jr. - Houston Astros

Age: 322025 Stats: 16 G (13 GS), 55.1 IP, 61 H (10 HR), 61 K, 39 BB, 6.51 ERAContract Status: Year 5 of 5-year, $85 millionWAR During Contract: 0.3

Since signing his deal, injuries have hindered McCullers’ performance significantly, casting doubt on his future.

8. Yu Darvish - San Diego Padres

Age: 392025 Stats: 15 GS, 72.0 IP, 66 H (14 HR), 68 K, 19 BB, 5.38 ERAContract Status: Year 4 of 6-year, $108 millionWAR During Contract: 2.8

Initially seen as a bargain, Darvish's age and injury setbacks have extinguished hope for effective contributions.

9. Anthony Rendon - Los Angeles Angels

Age: 352025 Stats: Did not playContract Status: Year 7 of 7-year, $245 millionWAR During Contract: 3.9

Rendon’s inability to play due to injuries has turned this once-promising investment into a frustrating liability for the Angels.

10. Kris Bryant - Colorado Rockies

Age: 322025 Stats: 11 G, 41 PA, 0 HR, 0 SB, .154 AVG, .195 OBP, .205 SLGContract Status: Year 5 of 7-year, $182 millionWAR During Contract: -1.6

Poor performance and injuries have kept Bryant from making an impactful contribution to the Rockies, making this deal one for the history books in terms of poor MLB contracts.

As the new season approaches, these contracts remain a point of contention among fans and analysts alike. Understanding the pitfalls of previous signings may offer insights into future decisions by franchises across MLB.