Introduction

The offseason in Major League Baseball (MLB) has been bustling as significant contracts are being handed out. Players like Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, and Alex Bregman have all secured hefty deals, while others like Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker are still attracting attention. However, the success rate for large free-agent contracts is far from guaranteed. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the biggest contracts from last year's free agent cycles and provide a comprehensive grading of each deal based on early returns.

Max Fried: An A- Start for the Yankees

One of the standout signings from last season was Max Fried's eight-year contract worth $218 million with the New York Yankees. Despite his rocky performance in the ALDS, where he yielded seven earned runs over just three innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, his overall season proved fruitful. Fried was selected as an All-Star for the third time, bagged his fourth Gold Glove Award, and finished fourth in the running for the AL Cy Young Award, concluding the season with a record of 19-5 and a 2.86 ERA across 195.1 innings pitched. This contract earns an A- grade mainly due to concerns about his longevity as he enters his age-32 season with seven more years on the contract. If his performance wanes as he ages, the Yankees could be left pondering the long-term implications.

Jurickson Profar: A C- with Potential

On the other hand, Jurickson Profar’s three-year, $42 million deal with the Atlanta Braves took a hit when he faced an 80-game suspension early in the season due to a performance-enhancing drug violation. In the games that he played post-suspension, Profar managed respectable stats—14 home runs, 43 RBIs, and a .787 OPS in 371 plate appearances. Given the circumstances surrounding his contract year and the Braves' ability to bounce back in 2026, this deal garners a grade of C-. While not ideal, if Profar maintains his performance, he can serve as a critical asset for the team going forward.

Corbin Burnes: A Disappointing D

Corbin Burnes signed a six-year contract worth $210 million with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the expectation quickly soured when he sustained an injury that required Tommy John surgery just 11 starts into the season. Before his injury, Burnes was performing well with a 2.66 ERA. His premature exit left the team floundering, which explains the D grade for this contract. The significance of this surgery could affect the team for multiple seasons, especially with Burnes likely missing most of 2026.

Peter Alonso: A Missed Opportunity for the Mets

Peter Alonso’s two-year, $54 million deal with the New York Mets produced remarkable results in 2025 as he posted stellar numbers, including 41 doubles, 38 home runs, and an impressive 126 RBIs. However, Alonso opted out of his contract to sign a more lucrative deal with the Baltimore Orioles worth five years and $155 million, leaving the Mets high and dry. The Mets' decision not to commit to a longer-term deal for a player of his impact ultimately earns this contract a C grade as they lost a powerhouse without any compensation.

Teoscar Hernández: B- for Breakout Performance

Teoscar Hernández's three-year contract worth $66 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers has its complexities. Despite having a dip in his OPS and facing trade rumors, Hernández helped lift the Dodgers to a second consecutive World Series title. His defensive metrics, however, are a major concern, leading to a B- grading overall. The Dodgers must find a way to maximize his offensive contributions while minimizing his defensive liabilities.

Willy Adames: A C+ with Room for Growth

Willy Adames inked a seven-year deal worth $182 million and provides mixed results. His first half in San Francisco was lackluster with a .680 OPS, but his performance soared post-All-Star break with an .828 OPS, hitting 30 home runs—something no Giants player did since Barry Bonds. While he has proven his ability to produce power, the inconsistent metrics defensively raise doubts about the contract, earning it a C+ grade.

Anthony Santander: An F for Injury Woes

The Blue Jays quickly regret their five-year, $92.5 million contract with Anthony Santander, who came off a season limited by injuries, posting just 54 games with a .175 average. This contract clearly demonstrates a lost opportunity for both Santander and the Blue Jays, justifying a grade of F. The next four years of this deal might yield regret and skepticism for the Blue Jays, hoping for a resurgence from Santander.

Blake Snell: A Surprising B+

In contrast to Santander, Blake Snell's five-year deal with a $120 million price tag seemed precarious after left shoulder inflammation sidelined him for several months. Upon his return, though, Snell made the most of it, exhibiting outstanding form with a 2.35 ERA and strong playoff performances. His timely contributions helped the Dodgers clinch back-to-back championships, warranting a B+ grading for the contract.

Juan Soto: An A for Performance in Adversity

The massive 15-year contract worth $765 million for Juan Soto with the Mets generated scrutiny initially, but Soto ended the season as one of the top-performing players, hitting 43 home runs, driving in 105 RBIs, and leading the NL in on-base percentage and walks. Despite an underwhelming season for the Mets overall, Soto's emergent stats solidify this deal as an A. His individual performances place him in a leadership role that the team must harness moving forward.

Conclusion

Last season’s free-agent frenzy revealed a mixed bag of contracts across baseball. While some signings turned out to be league-altering, others led to disappointment, straining team resources and strategies. Teams will closely monitor these contracts as they navigate the complexities of free agency, trying to avoid similar pitfalls in the future.