Title: Breaking Down MLB’s Potentially Risky Contracts for 2028 and Beyond
In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, the anticipation around new mega-contracts for players like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette is palpable. However, as we look ahead to the year 2028, it’s crucial to analyze the existing monster deals that could turn into nightmares for teams and players alike.
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s clarify that we are focusing on the actual cash owed to players according to Spotrac contract data. This includes deferred payments and excludes factors like payroll salary or luxury-tax implications. Surprisingly, there are already 24 players slated to earn over $100 million from 2028 onwards, raising questions about the potential value of these contracts in the coming years.
While some of these contracts may prove to be worthwhile investments, others could become burdensome for teams. So, which ones should we keep an eye on as we approach 2028?
Honorable Mentions (1 of 2): Players with Promising Futures
1. Roman Anthony (21): Owed at least $119 million from 2028-2033, with potential escalators and a $30 million club option for 2034.
2. Garrett Crochet (26): Owed at least $114 million from 2028-2031, with possible escalators and the option to opt out of a $30 million payment in 2031.
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (26): Owed at least $419 million from 2028-2039, with incentives tied to All-Star appearances and MVP awards.
4. Jackson Merrill (22): Owed at least $118 million from 2028-2034, with the possibility of increased earnings based on MVP votes and plate appearances.
5. Julio Rodríguez (25): Owed $18 million in each of 2028 and 2029, with a club option worth at least $240 million from 2030-2037.
6. Juan Soto (27): Owed at least $553.75 million from 2028-2039, with the ability to opt out of a $460 million deal before 2030.
7. Fernando Tatis Jr. (27): Owed $241 million from 2028-2034.
8. Bobby Witt Jr. (25): Owed $240 million from 2028-2034, with a potential three-year, $89 million club option for 2035-2037 and the ability to opt out in 2031, 2032, 2033, or 2034.
9. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (27): Owed $228 million from 2028-2035, with the option to opt out after 2029 or 2031.
Notably, both Yamamoto and Crochet have impressive track records as All-Stars and top-three finishers in the Cy Young vote, making their contracts less worrisome. Among the hitters listed, Rodríguez’s contract stands out as potentially tricky due to its complex club option for 2030 onwards, dependent on certain performance milestones. However, if he continues to excel and secures multiple AL MVP awards, the deal could be a boon for Seattle.
As we navigate the landscape of MLB contracts heading into 2028, it’s clear that some deals may present challenges for teams in the future. Keeping a close watch on player performance and contract structures will be key in determining the ultimate success or failure of these high-stakes agreements.
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