Several High-Paid MLB Players Underperforming in 2024 Season
A review of the 2024 season shows that many players with large contracts are producing below expectations, prompting concerns about overpayment across Major League Baseball.
Several players with contracts exceeding $50 million are delivering results far below the levels that justified their deals, according to a recent analysis of the 2024 season. Outfielder Kyle Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers, posted a 93 OPS+ and a WAR of 0.1 in 118 games, far short of his prior career average of 25.4 WAR. Shortstop Willy Adames, under a seven-year, $182 million deal, has not matched the 111 OPS+ and 30 home runs he produced in his first year with San Francisco.
Shortstop Javier Báez, entering the fifth year of a six-year, $140 million contract, missed nearly three months due to an ankle sprain and has been used mainly as a utility player. The Mets’ shortstop Bo Bichette, on a three-year, $126 million contract with opt-out clauses, is experiencing his lowest offensive output since an injury-plagued 2024 season, despite a smooth transition to third base.
Pitcher Kris Bryant, still under a two-year, $52 million extension, has been sidelined by chronic lumbar degenerative disc disease, playing only 11 games last year and none this season. Right-hander Corbin Burnes, who posted a 2.66 ERA before Tommy John surgery, has not returned to the mound since June 2025 and is now working toward a possible September comeback.
Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, who recorded a 2.59 ERA and 255 strikeouts in his first season, has been out for most of the year after shoulder inflammation and a lat strain. Former Mets closer Edwin Díaz, now with the Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal, posted a 10.50 ERA in his first seven appearances and has struggled with arm fatigue and surgery.
Other notable examples include Arizona’s Zac Gallen, who signed a one-year contract after a free-agency stint but posted a 13.9 % strikeout rate before an elbow injury; Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whose 14-year, $500 million extension has not translated into power, with only seven home runs in 486 plate appearances; and Milwaukee’s Merrill Kelly, whose two-year, $40 million deal has yielded a 5.11 ERA and a 5.72 FIP.
The analysis also highlights players such as Angels’ Corey Seager, who has missed significant time due to back issues and a concussion, and Boston’s Trevor Story, whose season was derailed by a sports hernia after a low batting average and high strikeout rate. Overall, the report suggests that the high payroll commitments for these athletes are not being justified by on-field performance this year.