Fansided

Let’s take a look at the most cringeworthy MLB contracts fans have to live with

By Brad Berreman

SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 13: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels plays during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 13, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 13: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels plays during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 13, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Billie Weiss-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Billie Weiss-Getty Images /

2. 1B/DH Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

Cabrera will make a trip to Cooperstown within a few years of being Hall of Fame eligible, as arguably the best all-around right-handed hitter of this generation and one of the best right-handed hitters ever. But the drop-off has come quick, as he hit just .247 in an injury-plagued 2017 season and played just 38 games last year before suffering a season-ending ruptured bicep tendon.

Seeing more time as a DH seems certain for Cabrera as he enters his age-36 season, as his value rests entirely on what he does offensively. But he’s owed $154 million through the 2023 season (at least $30 million each year), with vesting options for 2024 and 2025 based on Cabrera finishing top-10 in MVP voting in the prior season at age 40 and 41 respectively. It’s safe to say the Tigers will avoid those vesting options, but the next five seasons are unavoidable unless Cabrera retires over the course of that time.

Being past the peak of the steroid era in baseball invites us to see the natural decline of the best players in the game. Cabrera is one example, as is the No. 1 guy on this list.

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