Jays' Bad Bets: Ranking Worst Contracts

The Toronto Blue Jays are evaluating several expensive contracts that are proving to be significant liabilities for the organization. As the MLB GM meetings approach, the club is reassessing its roster and financial commitments.

Andres Gimenez, acquired in a late 2024 trade, has a contract with three years and $70.71 million remaining, plus a team option. Despite solidifying the infield defense, his performance with the Blue Jays has resulted in a .628 OPS over two seasons, while the team pays over $23 million annually, largely for his prior success with another team.

Jose Berrios has two years and $48 million left on his deal. He missed the early part of the 2026 season due to elbow inflammation and subsequently underwent Tommy John surgery, with a return anticipated around June 2027. At 32 years old, his effectiveness after more than 18 months sidelined is uncertain.

Anthony Santander's five-year, $92.5 million contract, signed before the 2025 season, is under scrutiny. After a disappointing offensive debut in 2025, he missed the entire 2026 season due to shoulder surgery. Recent controversial social media activity has also drawn attention.

Additionally, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s massive 14-year, $500 million contract, the largest in franchise history, is also a concern. Just one year into the deal, his performance has been subpar, with a single-digit home run total and a .260/.332/.356 slash line in 2026, raising questions about his future impact.

While ownership has generally been willing to spend effectively, these specific contracts represent costly mistakes that management may need to address to improve the team's future financial flexibility and on-field performance.