Big contracts aren’t automatically bad. If you’re paying for superstar production, fans won’t blink.
But when a deal turns into dead money, chronic unavailability, or long-term roster handcuffs, that’s when it becomes a franchise problem — not just a player problem.
Here are the 5 worst current MLB contracts heading into 2026, with updated contract details (years, dollars, options/deferrals).
1) Anthony Rendon — Los Angeles Angels
If “worst contract” had a hall of fame, this is the first ballot inductee.
Updated contract info
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Original deal: 7 years, $245M (2020–2026).
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What changed (latest): Angels restructured/deferred the $38M–$38.6M still owed for 2026 over 3 to 5 years, and Rendon will not return to the team.
Why it’s brutal
Even when the deal “ends,” the money doesn’t. The Angels essentially bought flexibility now by pushing the hit into the future — which tells you everything about how damaging this contract became.
2) Kris Bryant — Colorado Rockies
This one is the definition of paying star money for a player you can’t consistently put on the field.
Updated contract info
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Deal: 7 years, $182M (signed before 2022 season).
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Years remaining entering 2026: 3 years (2026–2028).
Why it’s brutal
Long term + huge dollars + injuries is the nightmare combo — and Colorado is still stuck wearing it for multiple seasons.
3) Xander Bogaerts — San Diego Padres
This is less “dead money” and more “oh no… this is going to age forever.”
Updated contract info
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Deal: 11 years, $280M, no opt-outs, full no-trade clause.
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Years remaining entering 2026: 8 years (2026–2033).
Why it’s brutal
Even if Bogaerts stays productive, the length is the problem. An 11-year commitment with no escape hatch means the Padres are married to the back half of this contract, no matter what the aging curve says.
4) Giancarlo Stanton — New York Yankees
It’s a power bat… priced like a roster centerpiece.
Updated contract info
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Original deal: 13 years, $325M (signed with Miami; later traded to NYY).
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Remaining structure: $29M in 2026, $25M in 2027, plus a $25M club option for 2028 with a $10M buyout.
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Offset help: As part of the trade terms, the Marlins pay $10M total across 2026–2028.
Why it’s brutal
The Yankees are paying premium money for a player whose value is heavily tied to one tool. When that tool is streaky — and the contract is still massive — it becomes a roster logjam.
5) Javier Báez — Detroit Tigers
This deal keeps showing up on every “worst contract” list for a reason: it’s expensive and hard to justify.
Updated contract info
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Deal: 6 years, $140M (2022–2027).
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Years remaining entering 2026: 2 years (2026–2027).
Why it’s brutal
Detroit is paying star-level money while trying to build a sustainable core. Any contract that blocks flexibility during a growth window is painful — even before you talk performance.
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