The MLB offseason is in full swing and plenty of top free agents have already signed new deals.
But, not all deals are the same and some teams find themselves desperate to make a move.
As of now, there are a few contracts that are head-scratching based on a player’s salary and recent pay.
But when a team is desperate for a certain position, they are willing to pay up.
In this case, pitching is something that most teams need.
Which is why pitchers are usually overpaid.
Here are the two worst MLB contracts so far this offseason.
1. Jameson Taillon, Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs seem stuck between trying to rebuild their roster and trying to win now.
One of the players that they signed to a massive contract this offseason was pitcher Jameson Taillon.
The former Yankee is coming off a season where he went 14-5 with a 3.91 ERA.
But, the contract he received was quite lucrative.
He will go to Chicago on a four-year, $68 million deal.
The Chicago Cubs and Jameson Taillon are in agreement on a 4-year deal, per @JesseRogersESPN pic.twitter.com/jLuNy1t8aB
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 7, 2022
Giving Taillon $17 million per year seems like a mistake for the Cubs.
Instead, they could have used that money to go after a top shortstop.
Taillon is a good third or fourth starter, but he will be asked to be much more than that for the Cubs.
2. Taijuan Walker, Philadelphia Phillies
Another middle-of-the-road starter that got paid this offseason was Taijuan Walker.
The Philadelphia Phillies were in desperate need of a starting pitcher.
But, giving Walker a four-year $72 million contract seems a little rich.
The $18 million per year that Walker will be getting is more than Aaron Nola is making.
But, Nola is the far superior pitcher.
Walker is a good pitcher, but paying $18 million a year for a fourth starter is crazy.
The reason to be excited for Taijuan Walker
– Only 30
– Was throwing 95+ in September/October last year
– His splitter is one of the best pitches in baseball
– Added a cutter in 2022 that could become his second elite pitch to the arsenal pic.twitter.com/bPZZDSd1xe— Philly Nation (@Philly__Nation) December 7, 2022
The going rate for starting pitchers continues to rise, so the Phillies decided to take the plunge on Walker.
It will be interesting to see how he performs over the next few seasons.
NEXT: The Giants Are Finding Bargains For A Dominant Rotation