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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Mandatory Credit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images /

1. 1B/DH Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels

Pujols has hit his 500th and 600th career home runs in an Angels’ uniform, and with three years left on his contract 700 home runs is within range too (633 home runs). But but one playoff appearance in seven seasons, an overall record hovering too close to .500 and recent struggles to even hit .250 in a season surely weren’t part of the plan for owner Arte Moreno, who also gave Josh Hamilton an ill-fated big contract a year after Pujols.

Injuries have helped accelerate Pujols’ decline, including lingering foot problems and elbow and knee issues that ended his 2018 season early. The offseason addition of Justin Bour should allow for more time as away from first base, with Shohei Ohtani also in the mix for time at DH.

Next. 5 things Yankees must do if they miss on Machado. dark

Pujols is owed $87 million over the three years left on his 10-year, $240 million deal, which looked bad immediately when it would take him through his age-41 campaign. The Angels embraced paying Pujols through his decline phase, or ignored the idea of a decline altogether as long as a World Series run or two came. The contract is doubly bad on the latter premise, for any role it played in the team failing to surround Mike Trout with better talent.

Home/MLB