The One Contract Every MLB Team Can't Wait to Get Off Its Books

The geniuses in every MLB front office occasionally get burned on expensive contracts. Here are the ones that each team is most eager to get off its books.

In several cases, the largest deals have become the least desirable. There's no doubt that the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs hope to ditch Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Soriano as soon as possible.

Other times, one-year deals go terribly awry. We're closer to Opening Day 2013 than to the season's end, but it's already clear that Joel Hanrahan (Boston Red Sox) and Brett Myers (Cleveland Indians) are being viewed as disappointments with their new clubs.

Let's not forget about teams still on the hook for players they recently traded. The Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers continue writing big checks to the competition. They'll obviously feel relieved once those payments cease.

As of June 19, we are 81 days into the 183-day season (approximately 44.3 percent). Each player's 2013 salary has been adjusted accordingly.

*All contract information provided by Baseball Prospectus.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Cody Ross

The original contract: three years, $26 million

What they still owe him: $20.79 million through 2015

Like many of the contracts coming up later, Cody Ross' seemed questionable from the moment it was announced.

The veteran outfielder exploited the hitter-friendly dimensions of Fenway Park to post strong power numbers. He continued a career trend of performing poorly against right-handed pitching, yet the Arizona Diamondbacks rewarded him with a multi-year deal. Why they thought a flawed player entering the decline phase of his career deserved it is still head-scratching.

Thankfully, the D-Backs have received huge contributions from Patrick Corbin, Gerardo Parra and other team-controlled guys. Any organization that could consider this Ross contract its worst financial obligation is in pretty good shape moving forward.

Atlanta Braves: B.J. Upton

The original contract: five years, $75.25 million

What they still owe him: $66.74 million through 2017

B.J. Upton has a few more years before his athleticism begins to fade. Hopefully, he breaks free from his 2013 mega slump by then so as to avoid being relegated to a reserve role.

Despite a career-best home run total last summer, Upton's best days are long gone. He lacks the work ethic and plate discipline to be the All-Star-caliber player the Atlanta Braves envisioned at the time of his signing.

Numbers that matter—on-base percentage, Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and WAR—haven't been worth bragging about since 2009.

The Atlanta Braves had never committed so much money to a free agent, and it might be several years before they shake off this disappointment and do so again.

Baltimore Orioles: Brian Roberts

The original contract: fours years, $40 million

What they still owe him: $5.57 million through 2013

Homegrown second baseman Brian Roberts was wholly deserving of a contract extension entering the 2009 season. He had established himself as a superb, durable and speedy leadoff hitter. In his final season of earning seven figures, Roberts led the American League with 56 doubles while scoring 100-plus runs for the third straight campaign.

Unfortunately, his body began to betray him once the big deal took effect in 2010. He suffered an abdominal strain that April and a concussion toward the end of the season, which lingered into 2012. Since then, there's been a torn labrum and a ruptured tendon in his knee, both accompanied by lengthy DL stints.

All in all, Roberts has played nearly as many minor league games the past two summers (15) as he has with the Baltimore Orioles (20). Nick Markakis is the only O's player making a higher salary in 2013.

Boston Red Sox: Joel Hanrahan

The original contract: one year, $7.04 million

What they still owe him: $3.92 million through 2013

The Boston Red Sox were one of several teams on this list who overpaid for a "proven closer." Joel Hanrahan fits the label, having filled the ninth-inning role with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 and 2012.

His pitching concerned the Red Sox from the get-go. Hanrahan had awful command of the fastball and slider, and his stats reflected that (9.82 ERA, 2.18 WHIP in 7.1 IP).

As it turns out, his elbow wasn't quite structurally sound. Tommy John surgery was required, ending his 2013 campaign and putting much of 2014 in doubt.

If it's any consolation to Boston fans, Hanrahan feels bitter about wasting the team's money and hasn't ruled out negotiating a new deal with the Red Sox once healthy, reports Rob Bradford of WEEI.com.

Chicago Cubs: Alfonso Soriano

The original contract: eight years, $136 million

What they still owe him: $28.03 million through 2014

Alfonso Soriano couldn't be a worse fit for this team, as Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports that president Theo Epstein wants the Chicago Cubs to reach base more frequently.

Per FanGraphs, the 37-year-old owns one of the lowest walk rates among outfielders. Soriano is in Adam Jones territory by that measure, but he lacks the center fielder's elite power and defensive aptitude.

Once Soriano is out of the equation, the Cubs can turn their attention to Jeff Samardzija and other extension candidates.

Chicago White Sox: Gavin Floyd

The original contract: four years, $15.5 million

What they still owe him: $5.3 million through 2013

Gavin Floyd was the quintessential mid-rotation workhorse before his ulnar collateral ligament stopped cooperating. He's done for the 2013 season.

The Chicago White Sox exercised his $9.5 million club option rather than spending on an impact bat. Though that decision made perfect sense, they passed up on opportunities to trade him for offense prior to Opening Day.

Cincinnati Reds: Jonathan Broxton

The original contract: three years, $21 million

What they still owe him: $19.23 million through 2015

Someday, MLB teams will stop using tiny samples (in Jonathan Broxton's case, barely two dozen innings) as rationale for making a fully guaranteed three-year offer.

Two-and-a-half months into the right-hander's first full season in Cincy, he landed on the disabled list with a flexor strain. A career-worst 6.7 K/9 in 29 appearances prior to the injury makes it seem unlikely that he'll ever regain the dominance from his Los Angeles Dodgers days.

Amazingly, Broxton has more guaranteed money left on his contract than any of the other Reds pitchers.

Cleveland Indians: Brett Myers

The original contract: one year, $7 million

What they still owe him: $3.90 million through 2013

The Cleveland Indians signed Brett Myers to stabilize their mediocre starting rotation. Instead, he dragged it down with an 8.02 ERA in four appearances. Then, on April 20, Myers landed on the disabled list with an elbow injury—and that's where he's been ever since.

There's no timetable yet for when he might return to the big leagues, and internally, the Tribe have considered bringing him back as a reliever.

Either way, there isn't a realistic scenario where Cleveland winds up getting good value on its investment.

Colorado Rockies: Todd Helton

The original contract: nine years, $141.5 million

What they still owe him: $15.89 million through 2023

Earlier this decade, it became glaringly evident that Todd Helton was an injury-prone shell of his former self. He agreed to restructure his lifetime contract, banking less now, but holding the Colorado Rockies responsible for paying him back in retirement (with interest).

Helton hasn't played in more than 10 consecutive games all year, and odds are his aching body won't ever allow him to do so ever again. The Rockies would just be grateful if he battled through 2013 without another stint on the disabled list.

The only other players already on their books beyond 2014 (Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki) make significantly higher salaries, but they perform at an MVP-caliber level to merit every penny.

Detroit Tigers: Victor Martinez

The original contract: four years, $50 million

What they still owe him: $19.25 million through 2014

Prior to his 2012 ACL injury, Victor Martinez had topped an .840 OPS in seven of his previous eight seasons. Mashing baseballs was his calling card, while figuring out what to do with them in the field was a well-known weakness.

Of course, that didn't worry the Detroit Tigers entering this season, as parting ways with Delmon Young meant Martinez could regularly start at designated hitter.

The 34-year-old is gradually recovering from an abysmal opening month, yet his numbers still resemble those of a prototypical middle infielder (.228/.280/.331 with five homers). It's inconceivable that anyone batting behind Austin Jackson, Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder could amass only 33 RBI through 68 games.

The Tigers will face some difficult financial decisions in 2014. Anibal Sanchez is guaranteed a hefty raise, and three other rotation members are on pace to cash in through arbitration.

Houston Astros: Wandy Rodriguez

The original contract: three years, $34 million

What they still owe him: $2.79 million through 2013

The Houston Astros chipped in a large chunk of Wandy Rodriguez's guaranteed money to extract the best possible prospects from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 2012 trade.

In the early stages of a rebuilding process, they aren't interested in signing top free agents or negotiating long-term extensions. Therefore, the veteran right-hander, who hasn't been on the roster for nearly a calendar year, is draining more resources from the Astros than any of their active players!

Also, Rodriguez controls a $13 million option for the 2014 season. If he chooses to exercise it, Houston would be on the hook for another $5.5 million.

Then the Astros can go back to being super cheap.

Kansas City Royals: Jeff Francoeur

The original contract: two years, $13.5 million

What they still owe him: $3.76 million through 2013

Batting .285/.329/.476, stealing 22 bases and leading AL right fielders in assists made 2011 as successful as any season of Jeff Francoeur's career. Expecting the then-27-year-old to replicate this production in the near future, the Kansas City Royals signed him to the above extension.

That's a move they would like to have back.

Francoeur was strangely ineffective against left-handed pitching in 2012 (.695 OPS). Despite a typically high assist total, he struggled to catch up to fly balls, making him a defensive liability.

Coming off that frustrating year, however, Francoeur seemed supremely confident in himself. "I’m at that age, 29," he told Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star "where I should be getting into my prime."

Alas, improved conditioning has done nothing to help him at the plate. David Lough is seeing increasingly more opportunities in right field, while Francoeur is fighting to keep his 2013 batting average above the Mendoza line.

Los Angeles Angels: Vernon Wells

The original contract: seven years, $126 million

What they still owe him: $23.9 million through 2014

The Los Angeles Angels fell only a few games short of postseason berths in both 2011 and 2012. Perhaps those seasons would have played out differently without Vernon Wells' hideous contract limiting their ability to make major acquisitions.

L.A. acquired Wells in January 2011, coming off an All-Star season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He batted only .222/.258/.409 for the Angels across two seasons. During nearly 200 games in their outfield, he totaled only four assists.

Now, the Angels are on the hook for the majority of his contract, even as he competes against them. 

Los Angeles Dodgers: Andre Ethier

The original contract: five years, $85 million

What they still owe him: $79.02 million through 2017

By mid-2014, Joc Pederson will come up through the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system to join Carl Crawford, Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig in the outfield mix. Andre Ethier has a lower ceiling than any of them, thus making him expendable.

There's no scenario in which the Dodgers can shed Ethier's entire contract. It's been back-loaded so that he'll be owed $53.5 million from ages 33-35, plus a $2.5 million buyout for the 2018 season. That's an acceptable deal for an Albert Pujols-like talent, but the Arizona State product is barely performing at replacement level this season (age 31).

Saving money via trade is a secondary objective. The Dodgers care more about getting a reputable prospect in return, someone who can better "control his emotions," writes Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times.

Miami Marlins: Ricky Nolasco

The original contract: three years, $26.5 million

What they still owe him: $6.41 million through 2013

There has been all sorts of trade buzz surrounding Ricky Nolasco, who's earning more than four times the salary of any other player on the Miami Marlins roster. Confirming the worst-kept secret in the league, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro writes that the Fish are "open to dealing" the pricey free-agent-to-be.

As of June 19, Miami is farther from a playoff spot than any other MLB club. Understandably, management wants to flip established talent for salary relief and prospects capable of leading the Marlins back to relevancy later this decade.

Nolasco has done plenty in 2013 to make him desirable, averaging about six and one-third innings per start with a strong 1.15 WHIP.

Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun

The original contract: eight years, $45 million

What they still owe him: $114.74 million through 2020 ($100 million from second extension)

Ryan Braun's consistency and sheer awesomeness at the plate have been virtually unmatched since he debuted in 2007. This season, a nagging thumb injury has derailed another potential NL MVP campaign.

More unfortunately, the outfielder potentially faces a 100-game suspension and eternal embarrassment if Major League Baseball proves that Biogenesis of America provided him with performance-enhancing drugs.

The Milwaukee Brewers certainly don't want to be tied to Braun for the rest of the decade if his reputation is tarnished and their fans lose respect for him.

Minnesota Twins: Josh Willingham

The original contract: three years, $21 million

What they still owe him: $10.90 million through 2014

Josh Willingham's incredible power and knack for getting on base overshadow his deficiencies. The Minnesota Twins will have constant urges to trade him between now and July 31 because of the promising prospects they could demand in exchange.

Besides, the Twins won't have a realistic chance to contend until 2015, when Byron Buxton and Aaron Hicks should be starting side by side in the majors. With Willingham no longer collecting checks, they'll be able to direct more resources toward fresher free agents.

New York Mets: Johan Santana

The original contract: six years, $137.5 million

What they still owe him: $19.71 million through 2013

Johan Santana had several beautiful moments with the New York Mets, including the first no-hitter in franchise history. During 2008 (his only fully healthy season in Queens), he was absolutely worth the humongous salary.

Due to injuries, unfortunately, that's no longer true. Following shoulder surgery, Santana has already been ruled out for the entire summer. New York will certainly pay his $5.5 million buyout instead of a $25 million salary in 2014.

While the Mets don't mind unleashing Zach Wheeler on their opposition, they must be chomping at the bit to reallocate Santana's money to quality offensive players.

New York Yankees: Alex Rodriguez

The original contract: 10 years, $275 million

What they still owe him: $111.16 million through 2017

According to ESPNNewYork.com, the New York Yankees expressed interest in voiding Alex Rodriguez's cumbersome contract in January upon learning of his connection to Biogenesis. It will be extraordinarily difficult to pull off such a miracle, but we'll know more once MLB completes its investigation.

A-Rod inked this monstrous deal coming off a 2007 AL MVP-winning campaign. As John Harper of the New York Daily News recalls, the Yankees were essentially bidding against themselves for his services. No other team was desperate enough to guarantee comparable length at such an enormous average annual value. 

Rodriguez turned off most fans by admitting to past steroid use in 2009. The latest PED revelations all but guarantee that he'll be booed prior to every plate appearance—at Yankee Stadium or elsewhere—for the remainder of his career.

The injury-depleted Yankees sorely need offense, particularly at the corner infield positions. At this point in his career, however, the highest-paid player in the game is merely "an above-average player," general manager Brian Cashman tells ESPN, via Jim Baumbach of Newsday.

Oakland Athletics: Hiroyuki Nakajima

The original contract: two years, $6.5 million

What they still owe him: $4.25 million through 2014

Hiroyuki Nakajima was supposed to be the answer for the Oakland Athletics at shortstop once Stephen Drew came off the market. He certainly won the press conference, per MLB.com.

Then, shortly before spring training, the A's traded for Jed Lowrie, who thoroughly outplayed him in the Cactus League. Nakajima also suffered a strained hamstring that kept him out of game action until early May. The 30-year-old didn't impress during his rehab assignment and remains at Triple-A despite being fully healthy.

In his absence, the A's have gotten solid production from first base, third base and shortstop, all from players who will be under their control for at least one more season. Considering all the internal options that will compete for the second base job, it's unlikely that Nakajima will ever have a meaningful impact. 

Philadelphia Phillies: Ryan Howard

The original contract: five years, $125 million

What they still owe him: $96.15 million through 2016

The Philadelphia Phillies were over-anxious to extend Ryan Howard coming off a season highlighted by 63 RBI in August and September alone. Overall, 2009 was the fourth straight season in which the first baseman had finished with 45 or more home runs and among the top five in NL MVP voting.

However, Howard's poor baserunning, atrocious defense and not-so-special on-base percentage didn't justify a nine-figure extension. The decision to lock him up seems even more puzzling when you consider that he was more than 18 months away from free agency.

Thankfully for the Phillies, Howard has been moderately useful in his second year back from an Achilles injury. June 2013 is shaping up to be his best month since the new contract kicked in.

Still, the combination of diminished power, embarrassing platoon splits and enormous future guarantees distinguish this deal as one of the worst in the National League.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Clint Barmes

The original contract: two years, $10.5 million

What they still owe him: $3.07 million through 2013

The Clint Barmes signing hasn't been a total bust for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since 2012, he's first among NL shortstops in UZR and DRS, according to FanGraphs. That glove work alone is worth a couple wins.

Pittsburgh anticipated mediocre offensive production. Barmes didn't quite meet that expectation last summer (65 OPS+), and in 2013, his playing time has been noticeably cut back.

Per FanGraphs, only Danny Espinosa owns a lower on-base percentage (min. 150 plate appearances).

San Diego Padres: Huston Street

The original contract: two years, $14 million

What they still owe him: $10.90 million through 2014

We've been through this already, about how handing out big contracts to relievers often backfires.

A few great months from Huston Street at Petco Park (before it was downsized) tricked the San Diego Padres. Or maybe they actually believed extending a "proven closer" at $7 million per year was safer than an internal replacement with superior pure stuff.

Truthfully, there's no need to freak out about Street's disappointing 2013 campaign. He has been terribly unlucky on fly balls, so by summer's end, his value should comfortably above replacement level.

On the other hand, the Padres cannot be overly confident that he'll make it through the contract without suffering another injury (four DL stints since 2010).

San Francisco Giants: Tim Lincecum

The original contract: two years, $40.5 million

What they still owe him: $12.26 million through 2013

Starting pitching is suddenly a major concern for the San Francisco Giants, so Tim Linecum's departure isn't imminent.

Of course, if they do re-sign The Freak, he'll have to accept a steep discount. The two-time NL Cy Young Award recipient has unraveled due to declining velocity.

Lincecum cannot get away with as many location mistakes or tempt opposing batters to chase his pitches out of the strike zone. As a result, both his home run and walk rate have risen dramatically since 2012. FanGraphs reveals that only Jon Lester and Justin Masterson have surrendered more earned runs the past two seasons.

The tiny right-hander has not survived more than seven innings in any start since July 14 of last summer. No double-digit strikeout games in that span either.

Seattle Mariners: Chone Figgins

The original contract: four years, $36 million

What they still owe him: $4.46 million through 2013

With the 2009 Los Angeles Angels, Chone Figgins tallied 42 extra-base hits and 114 runs scored. Taking base-stealing and athleticism at third base into account, he was one of baseball's most valuable players.

He couldn't sustain that excellence with the Seattle Mariners. From 2010-2012, Figgins combined for 46 extra-base hits and 104 runs scored, but it required about twice as many games and nearly five times the salary.

Rather than hold out hope that the speedster could snap out of his funk at age 35, the M's simply released him. Aside from Felix Hernandez, Figgins is the highest earner on the 2013 payroll.

St. Louis Cardinals: Ty Wigginton

The original contract: two years, $5 million

What they still owe him: $3.89 million through 2014

Without a specific plan for using him, the St. Louis Cardinals signed Ty Wigginton to a multi-year, fully-guaranteed deal last December. At the very least, they anticipated that his powerful bat would provide some thump against lefty relievers. That would have compensated for his defensive clumsiness.

In a frustrating twist, Wigginton, who earns more than Matt Carpenter and Allen Craig combined, has only two extra-base hits entering June 19. The Cardinals are evidently disgusted with his mediocrity, and a DFA announcement seems inevitable.

Tampa Bay Rays: Roberto Hernandez

The original contract: one year, $3.25 million

What they still owe him: $1.81 million through 2013

The frugal Tampa Bay Rays wouldn't be competitive if they were stuck with any brutal contracts.

Roberto Hernandez is only mildly overpaid.

Having lost confidence in his fastball, the ground-ball guru formerly known as Fausto Carmona now changes speed more often to record strikeouts. An undesirable side effect: pitches up in the zone and a career-worst line drive rate.

The only dominant outings for the 32-year-old have come against slumping opponents, like the Oakland Athletics on April 21, the Toronto Blue Jays on May 7 and the Miami Marlins on May 29.

On top of the $3.25 million, Hernandez can earn an extra $1.2 million based on innings pitched. Barring an injury or removal from the starting rotation, he'll qualify for most of those bonuses.

Texas Rangers: Michael Young

The original contract: five years, $80 million

What they still owe him: $5.57 million through 2013

After years of speculation that the Texas Rangers would move Michael Young, they found a willing trade partner: the Philadelphia Phillies. Now, his rally-killing double plays and mediocre defense are their problem.

To get a deal completed, however, the Rangers agreed to pay the majority of what remained on his expiring contract. Young is draining nearly as much from their payroll as leading run producer Nelson Cruz ($10.5 million).

Toronto Blue Jays: Melky Cabrera

The original contract: two years, $16 million

What they still owe him: $12.46 million through 2014

Nobody knew exactly what to expect from clean Melky Cabrera. Sure, there was going to be a drop-off from his juiced-up dominance (157 OPS+), but did that mean the Toronto Blue Jays were getting 2010 Melky (83 OPS+) or the 2011 version (121 OPS+)?

As of June 19, he's resembling the former. Cabrera has batted atop the lineup in place of an injured Jose Reyes, but he's failed to infuse power, speed or patience from the No. 1 spot.

Reyes and Mark Buehrle will both have difficulty living up to the huge money remaining on their long-term contracts too. But at least they're more marketable than Cabrera (and not loudly booed on the road).

Washington Nationals: Jayson Werth

The original contract: seven years, $126 million

What they still owe him: $91.92 million through 2017

Jayson Werth has been an invaluable addition to both the Washington Nationals clubhouse and beard-growing community.

Still, that hardly justifies his outrageous contract or makes the Nats excited for his future. Aside from a heart-warming walk-off home run last October, the first three years of his deal—the three cheapest years of it—have been truly underwhelming, per Baseball-Reference.com.

Washington believed he was capable of carrying a lineup for brief stretches in case injuries piled up. Rather, Werth has failed to match the production from his Philadelphia Phillies tenure without consistent protection.