MLB Power Rankings: The worst contract on every team’s roster
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Baltimore Orioles, Kyle Gibson
Kyle Gibson? The Baltimore Orioles are paying the veteran pitcher $10 million to come over this year and help them do what, exactly? Gibson is a fifth starter at best and probably more of a depth piece to use in emergency situations. This was not a winning move by a team heading in the right direction. Fans should be frustrated by it.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays, Yusei Kikuchi
Yusei Kikuchi never lived up to his contract during his three years with the Seattle Mariners. Even at a lesser price, he’s failing to do it with the Toronto Blue Jays. Only $20 million over the next two years is owed, however, it’s far too much for a guy producing a lifetime 5.02 ERA. Kikuchi spent plenty of time in the Toronto bullpen last season, too. This one just isn’t working out. They should have known better.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks, Madison Bumgarner
When the Arizona Diamondbacks signed Madison Bumgarner they apparently thought they didn’t need to do much else. He has had three pretty awful years for the Diamondbacks thus far. There is nothing to suggest the last two will be any better. Arizona is on the hook for $37 million more before it finally ends.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Colorado Rockies, Antonio Senzatela
There are actually quite a few worthy Colorado Rockies contracts for this list. The Kris Bryant contract might be impossible for him to live up to. The Kyle Freeland deal isn’t so great either. It’s the Antonio Senzatela contract that feels surest to age poorly. Now 39-42 with a 4.88 ERA in his career, his 101 ERA+ suggests he’s an average pitcher. The Rockies will hope he’s better than that. They have $7.25 million to pay him this year and a guaranteed $36 million more over the next three seasons.
11) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals, Steven Matz
When the St. Louis Cardinals signed Steven Matz last offseason they must not have looked at his complete resume. He was very good for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021. During his years with the New York Mets, he was an average at best pitcher and often worse. He had trouble staying on the field throughout the 2022 season. When he did, Matz gave the Cardinals a 5.25 ERA as a starter and reliever across only 48 innings. Matz’s contract includes three more seasons and another $35.5 million.