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MLB Free Agency: The five worst contracts in the league

By Kristen Bentley

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 16: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) American League All-Stars Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles, Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers and Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees look on during introductions before the 84th MLB All-Star Game on July 16, 2013 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The American League defeated the National League 3-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 16: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) American League All-Stars Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles, Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers and Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees look on during introductions before the 84th MLB All-Star Game on July 16, 2013 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The American League defeated the National League 3-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images)
(Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images) /

Of the 10 highest contracts (that are paid to 11 players), this player just doesn’t fit. While he does have a World Series ring and a handful of trophies, he just isn’t the same caliber as the rest of the field.

Unfortunately, he’s also holding back his team from putting a better player in his position. Jason Heyward’s contract is a real albatross.

His awards include one All-Star Game – which was in 2010 – his rookie season. And, he has five Gold Gloves. His fielding is spot on, but not good enough for another Gold Glove in 2018. In fact, his dWAR in 2018 was only 0.1.

Since signing with the Cubs in for the 2016 season, his WAR numbers have dropped significantly. In five seasons with the Braves, his WAR was 23.2. In one season with the Cardinals, his WAR was 6.6. And, in three seasons with the Cubs, his was has been 5.2

Heyward’s big problem is his offense. He’s a career .263/.343/.410 hitter. Since he’s been with the Cubs, his slash has gone down to .252/.322/.367. He’s only hit 26 home runs in his three seasons. Consider other right fielders, like Mitch Haniger, Nicholas Castellanos, or Bryce Harper who hit 26, 23, and 34 home runs in 2018 alone.

With the Braves, he made a little more than $9 million in five seasons. The Cardinals paid him $7.8 million. But, the Cubs have paid him nearly $78 million in three seasons. And, the team still owes him $106 million.

When it comes to the top-10 contract players, what sets them apart is that people actually buy tickets to see them play. People buy tickets to see Max Scherzer pitch – even it if it is against their team. They pay to see Albert Pujols swing the bat.

This isn’t the case with Heyward. When people outside of the Cubs fanbase buy tickets to see the Cubs play, they want to see players like Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, and Anthony Rizzo.

Just imagine who the Cubs could have instead of Heyward. This reason alone is why his contract is one of the worst in the MLB.

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