Ranking MLB’s Most Untradeable Contracts – Offering massive, long-term contracts is often how teams land superstar players. But these deals frequently become albatross contracts that no other team wants to take on, even for free. Injuries, declining performance, or simply giving too many years to players entering their decline phase can make these mega-deals nearly impossible to move. This predicament reminds us of the unpredictability in sports, akin to the ups and downs experienced by users of High-Rated Betting Platforms, where fortunes can change with the turn of a game or match.
While no contract is ever truly untradeable, some are significantly more difficult to trade than others. Here we rank baseball’s 5 most untradeable contracts – deals that will be major headaches for teams over the next few seasons.
1.) Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals
7 years, $245 million signed in December 2019
Remaining: 3 years, $105 million
The tragic case of Stephen Strasburg, who delivered an all-time playoff performance to lead Washington to its first World Series title in 2019, then signed a massive extension, only to completely break down physically since then. He has made just 8 starts over the last 3 injury-plagued seasons, accumulating barely over 30 innings pitched.
With Strasburg unlikely to ever regain his prior form, $35 million a year for each of the next 3 seasons for a non-existent pitcher is as bad as contracts get. The Nationals knew Strasburg’s injury history and still took the risk, one that has failed spectacularly. But the memories of that 2019 World Series will live on forever in Washington.
2.) Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels
7 years, $245 million signed in December 2019
Remaining: 3 years, $114 million
Rendon delivered an excellent 2020 season, his first with the Angels, but injuries have limited him to just 148 games over the past 3 years. His performance when healthy has also declined significantly, as he has hit just .235 with modest power in that span, totaling just 1 WAR.
Owed $38 million per year over each of the next 3 seasons, Rendon will be paid like a superstar despite not having played like one for years. He is also already 32, meaning a dramatic turnaround seems unlikely. For a team desperate to surround Mike Trout with talent, this contract has been an unmitigated disaster so far.
3.) Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees
13 years, $325 million signed with Miami Marlins in November 2014
Remaining Yankees commitment: 4 years, $98 million (+$30 million paid by Marlins)
The Yankees inherited this massive contract in a trade with Miami, who sent cash along with Stanton to convince New York to take on the remaining 10 years and $295 million. Injuries have limited Giancarlo Stanton to just 391 games over the past 5 seasons, and his performance has declined significantly as well, as he has hit just .191 with modest power output in 2023.
The Yankees are on the hook for $98 million over the next 4 years, plus the Marlins are covering $30 million. They could look to dump salary in 2026-2027 when their remaining commitment decreases. But for now, an unhealthy, unproductive Stanton at huge money remains an untradeable albatross deal taking up payroll space in New York.
4.) Kris Bryant, Colorado Rockies
7 years, $182 million signed in March 2022
Remaining: 5 years, $131 million
After showing some worrying decline signs in his last season with the Giants, Bryant has cratered in Colorado, delivering just 7 home runs and a .687 OPS over two seasons. When healthy, his defense has declined significantly as well.
Bryant is still owed $131 million over the next 5 years, taking him through his age 36 season. That huge commitment for a player trending sharply downward makes this a contract almost no team would be willing take on, even for a discounted price. The length, more than the dollar figure, is the real albatross here.
5.) Javier Báez, Detroit Tigers
6 years, $140 million signed in November 2021
Remaining: 4 years, $98 million
Báez’s all-around game has declined significantly in his two seasons with Detroit – he is hitting just .230 with modest power. His elite defense keeps him barely above replacement level, but committing $140 million to a player who profiles as a borderline starter at this point is franchise crippling.
The Tigers are likely stuck with Báez unless they eat a massive portion of the remaining $98 million left. At 29 years old, Báez still has time for a rebound, but nothing in his recent performance indicates one is coming. This deal already looks like a major misstep by Detroit.
Ranking MLB’s Most Untradeable Contracts – Among the Next 5
Five other contracts that could easily have cracked the top 5 most untradeable deals due to some combination of poor performance, injuries, age concerns, and excessive future money commitments:
Andrew Benintendi, White Sox (5 years, $75 million)
Nick Castellanos, Phillies (5 years, $100 million)
Jacob deGrom, Rangers (5 years, $185 million with 2027 option)
Patrick Corbin, Nationals (6 years, $140 million)
Carlos Rodón, Yankees (6 years, $162 million)
The moral of the story: buyer beware on those long-term megadeals, especially for players exiting their primes. They may deliver short-term boosts but quickly can turn into painful long-term liabilities. Teams hand them out anyway, though, knowing that flags fly forever and immediate gains, along with making informed baseball betting picks, are what matter most.
