Free Agent Hitters
The quest to snag a big-name free agent who could turn the tides for your beloved team is an annual occurrence. It's a tempting thought: "Let's grab that power-hitting third baseman and top-tier pitcher—budget be damned!" But the reality is, these high-stakes contracts are a gamble.
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Baseball's unique structure often means players don't hit free agency until their 30s, setting teams up for a risky bet on performance during a player's decline. Despite the allure of a star's past achievements, not all signings live up to expectations. This analysis delves into every significant free agent hitter agreement from 2010 through the onset of the 2022 season, examining which deals have actually paid off.
With a focus on contracts of five years or more, we categorize them into hits, misses, and those still up for debate. It's worth noting that injuries have played a role in our evaluations, and the shortened 2020 season has affected some statistical analyses. Among the 32 long-term contracts reviewed, ranging from $60 million to $330 million, only a handful have been deemed successful so far, with many still in progress. This exploration aims to highlight the signings that have truly been worth the investment, showcasing the players who have delivered on their promise, at least in the early stages of their deals, for many. The top of our list starts with a brand new Hall of Famer.
