The MLB offseason saw record-breaking contracts handed out, with nearly $4 billion in commitments across the league. The Dodgers were particularly active, making multiple nine-figure deals and exceeding $1 billion in total spending. Some of the riskiest contracts signed included Yoshinobu Yamamoto with the Dodgers, Jung Hoo Lee with the Giants, and Tyler Glasnow with the Dodgers. These deals involve significant financial commitments and potential performance-related risks.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million deal with the Dodgers, making it the most expensive contract for a pitcher in MLB history. Jung Hoo Lee joined the Giants on a six-year, $113 million deal, despite some questions about his performance. Tyler Glasnow, also with the Dodgers, signed a five-year, $136.6 million contract, banking on his talent if he can stay healthy. Aaron Nola of the Phillies and Josh Hader of the Astros also received large contracts with their respective teams.
On the player side, Blake Snell of the Giants, Jordan Montgomery of the Diamondbacks, Cody Bellinger of the Cubs, and Matt Chapman of the Giants signed deals with varying degrees of risk. Snell, coming off a strong season, accepted a two-year deal with an opt-out clause, hoping to perform well and secure a better contract later. Montgomery’s one-year deal with performance-based options offers a chance to prove himself for a bigger payday. Bellinger’s three-year deal with the Cubs allows him to hit free agency again after two seasons, while Chapman’s contract includes multiple player opt-outs giving him flexibility.
Shohei Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, marking the largest deal in sports history. The unique structure of the deal includes deferred payments and potential risks associated with Ohtani’s performance as a two-way player. Despite the financial implications, Ohtani’s status as a top player in the league and international star justifies the significant investment by the Dodgers. The offseason saw a mix of high-stakes contracts that will shape the future of these players and teams in the MLB.
Overall, the 2024 MLB offseason was marked by record-setting contracts and significant financial commitments from teams. The risks associated with these deals are evident, with both player performance and financial implications at stake. The impact of these contracts on the teams and players involved will be closely watched throughout the season. As the players take the field and showcase their talents, the outcomes of these high-stakes contracts will determine the success or failure of these offseason moves in the MLB.
