Ranking the 5 worst contracts in the AL East: Where do the Yankees stand?

Sometimes big contracts don’t pan out. Oftentimes, in fact. But to build a consistently competitive team in Major League Baseball, it’s crucial to sign impact players who can deliver performance that matches the value of their contracts (at least, at the outset). The Yankees and Dodgers made the 2024 World Series, in large part, because they spent -- and the Dodgers won it because they spent more often in more smartly targeted bursts.

However, teams often find themselves burdened by large contracts tied to players who fall short of expectations or decline faster than anticipated. This can significantly hinder a team's success, as both the player's underperformance and the financial weight of their contract can limit the club's flexibility to make necessary improvements.

FYI? If Giancarlo Stanton had not had the Postseason that he just wrapped, he would have made this list.

5 worst contracts in AL East -- how many Yankees?

5. Brayan Bello, Boston Red Sox: $55 million for six years, signed in 2024

At just 24 years old and with only one full season under his belt, Brayan Bello signed a long-term deal with the Red Sox. Even though Bello posted a career high 14 wins this season for Boston, his ERA still floated in the mid-fours (4.49) again for the third straight season. Bello continues to struggle with controlling the strike zone and holding runners on base. He did reach career highs in innings pitched (162.1) and Ks (153) in 2024, so there are promising signs for the young Red Sox pitcher, but still, considering how skittish Boston has been about long-term financial commitments, staking their faith in him has to be causing concern.

While he's currently performing slightly below expectations for his $1.66 million salary, the Red Sox are set to pay him $8.66 million by 2027. By then, the team will likely expect improvements as he gains more experience. If Bello fails to meet those expectations, it could reflect Boston’s misjudgment in prematurely setting a high standard for his potential. $21 million club option in 2030, anyone?

4.  Carlos Rodón, New York Yankees: $162 million for six years, signed in 2023

If this article had been written last year, Carlos Rodón would have ranked much higher. His biggest issue is his inconsistency. After signing with the Yankees in December 2022 to complement ace Gerrit Cole, Rodón’s first season in 2023 was a disaster, as he posted a 6.45 ERA, leading many to label the contract a bust. However, in 2024, Rodón bounced back in 2024 with a career-high 16 wins and a 3.96 ERA, providing the Yankees with a crucial boost to their rotation.

Despite this resurgence, Rodón’s long contract and inconsistent history have led some fans to view him as overpaid, especially as he approaches age 30. Hopefully, he can build on his strong 2024 performance going forward.

3. George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays: $150 million for six years, signed in 2020 

After re-emerging as contenders in 2020, the Blue Jays aimed to keep momentum going by signing star outfielder George Springer to a six-year deal in the 2020-21 offseason. Adding Springer gave them a powerful leadoff hitter to support rising stars Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., sparking high hopes for an extended contention window.

In 2021, Springer struggled with injuries but still delivered, posting 59 runs, 22 homers, and 50 RBI in just 78 games, often coming through in the clutch. He followed up with an All-Star season in 2022, but his performance has since steadily declined.

Age, along with lingering effects from a concussion and shoulder sprain in the 2022 AL Wild Card Series, may be taking a toll. His numbers dropped from .258/.327/.405 in 2023 to a disappointing .220/.303/.371 in 2024. Concerns about his contract aging poorly have come sooner than expected, especially after the Jays missed the playoffs for the first time in three years in 2024. Now, doubts linger about Springer’s future contributions and role in the lineup.

2. DJ LeMahieu, New York Yankees: $90 million for six years, signed in 2019

Oh DJ, where do I start? In the midst of his prime as one of baseball’s elite hitters, DJ LeMahieu joined the Yankees in 2019 on a two-year free agent deal. He exceeded expectations right away, setting career highs in runs (109), home runs (26), and RBI (102) during his debut season in New York.

LeMahieu built on his impressive debut with an outstanding 2020 season, leading the majors with a .364 batting average and topping the AL in OPS at 1.011, which earned him an AL MVP finalist spot. Known for his stellar defense as well, LeMahieu brought three Gold Gloves from his time with the Rockies. Banking on his continued success at the plate and in the field, the Yankees moved quickly to secure him for six more seasons at an average of $15 million per year.

Since signing his contract, LeMahieu’s stats have significantly declined. Over the next three seasons, he averaged only 71 runs, 21 doubles, 12 home runs, and 49 RBI while hitting under .270, despite playing more than 125 games each year. By 2024, his performance took an even steeper dip, with injuries and inconsistency limiting his contributions. When he was on the field, he managed just 19 runs, five doubles, two homers, and 26 RBI across 67 games, batting a disappointing .204 with a .527 OPS.

LeMahieu’s injuries and struggles this season, combined with the rise of players like Jon Berti and Jazz Chisholm Jr., have pushed him out of the Yankees’ regular lineup. Some speculate this could be his last season in pinstripes, as New York may look to move him in the offseason.

1. Trevor Story, Boston Red Sox: $140 million for six years, signed in 2021

After losing to the Houston Astros in the 2021 ALCS, the Red Sox aimed to strengthen their lineup by signing Trevor Story in the 2021-22 offseason, looking to boost their offense with a proven player.

Story was a proven offensive threat with the Rockies, consistently hitting .270+ with 75+ runs, 25+ home runs, and 75+ RBI per season. However, there was skepticism about whether his numbers would translate outside Coors Field, a hitter-friendly park.

Unfortunately, injuries have kept the Red Sox from fully testing that theory. Story has faced major setbacks, including a right elbow injury in 2023 and a left shoulder injury in 2024 in the eighth game of the season, limiting him to just 163 games over three years. During that time, he’s posted a modest .232 average with a .693 OPS, 73 runs, 21 homers, and 90 RBI.

Boston originally signed Story to help fill the offensive void left by Xander Bogaerts’ departure, but his frequent absences have made his impact minimal and disappointing. He showed promise upon his September return, hitting .270 with two homers and six RBI in 18 games. Story is in line to start the 2025 season, hopefully healthy for the Red Sox.