Number 4 - Taijuan Walker, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Four Years (2023-2026), $72 million ($18M AAV)
The Phillies signed Taijuan Walker as a pitcher they hoped would take the ball every fifth day and protect their bullpen.
Walker delivered that in 2023, pitching to a 4.38 ERA over 172+ IP, but 2024 has been a disaster. He started the season on the IL with a shoulder impingement, returning for his first start on April 28. He started every fifth day through June 2, and with six days or more rest in his remaining June starts, but he ended the month with a 5.60 ERA and returned to the IL with a sprained finger on June 23.
His August return was worse: he threw only 17 innings in four starts with a 9.17 ERA, and the club sent him to the bullpen. His two relief appearances since included five innings and five earned runs.
The trouble with shoulder injuries is that they’re should injuries and almost always reoccur. Walker may bounce back, but an $18M middle-inning reliever is a luxury, making this contract look bad.
Number 3- Starling Marte, OF, New York Mets
Four Years (2022-2025), $78M ($19.5M AAV)
Like Walker for the Phillies. Marte’s 2022 made his contract look like a great deal, but players such as Marte depend on their legs to add value on the basepath as well as help them cover ground in the outfield and provide a sound base at the plate.
Marte had issues with his left quad and groin in 2022 but missed only a couple of days. In 2023, he was noticeably slower in the outfield and ended the year with a .625 OPS and 72 wRC+ after a season-ending groin injury in August.
Marte’s 2024 looks the same as 2023. He’s batting .266/.312/.389.700 with seven homers in 82 games while losing time with a sore right knee.
Like all of us, Martes will lose the fight with old age, and his contract looks bad as a result.