The 11 Worst MLB Contracts in History

Massive contracts in MLB don't always work out, and history has shown that they often become financial burdens for the teams involved.

Mike Hampton's $121 million contract with the Colorado Rockies was a major overpay, and he underperformed during his time with the team.

Albert Belle had a troubled past but signed a record-breaking contract with the Baltimore Orioles, only to retire due to hip injuries.

Prince Fielder's nine-year, $214 million contract with the Detroit Tigers ended in disappointment due to declining performance and injuries.

Josh Hamilton's story of overcoming addiction seemed like a success, but his five-year, $125 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels turned into a disaster.

What factors contribute to a contract being considered one of the worst in MLB history?

—Several factors can contribute to a contract being considered one of the worst, including underperformance, injury issues, off-field concerns, and the overall financial burden it places on a team.

Are there any success stories of players living up to their massive contracts?

—While there are some success stories of players living up to their massive contracts, the examples of these contracts working out are often outweighed by the ones that don't.

How do these contracts impact a team's financial situation?

—These contracts can have a significant impact on a team's financial situation, often tying up a large portion of their payroll and limiting their ability to make other roster moves.

What lessons can be learned from these worst MLB contracts?

—These contracts serve as a reminder for teams to carefully evaluate a player's performance, injury history, and character before committing to a long-term, high-value contract.

What are the risks of signing a player to a massive contract?

—The risks include the potential for underperformance, injuries, off-field issues, and the financial burden it places on the team if the player doesn't live up to expectations.

00:00Introduction to the topic of worst MLB contracts and the financial burden they can become for teams.

02:35Mike Hampton's $121 million contract with the Colorado Rockies and his underperformance during his time with the team.

06:34Albert Belle's record-breaking contract with the Baltimore Orioles and his retirement due to hip injuries.

09:49Prince Fielder's disappointing performance and injuries during his time with the Detroit Tigers.

11:53Josh Hamilton's story of overcoming addiction and his disastrous contract with the Los Angeles Angels.