In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, trade discussions are always prevalent. Considering teams are balancing financial commitments, performance expectations, and player health, some contracts stand out as decidedly untradable. Drawing upon evaluations from Baseball Trade Values, here are twelve of the most untradable contracts currently in the league.
Sitting at number twelve is Dansby Swanson of the Chicago Cubs, whose performance has seen a downturn recently. While he remains a solid defensive presence, his offensive contributions have regressed, resulting in a concerning negative trade value of -4.5 million. With a contract worth $28 million annually over the next three years, the Cubs may struggle to find a trade partner without including significant assets, such as a top prospect.
Next is Christian Yelich, whose Panic Level has noticeably risen. Once a powerhouse, Yelich's production has dwindled since signing his extension with the Milwaukee Brewers. Although his OPS showed signs of life in 2024, injuries have hindered his impact. With four years left at $22 million per season, his negative value of -42 million renders him a risky asset for the Brewers.
10. Trey Turner
Despite initial expectations, Trey Turner finds himself in a precarious position, earning a negative value of -46.5 million. With a contract averaging $27.2 million per year through 2033, his performance has dropped since his high-level play earlier in his career. Although classified as low Panic, the Philadelphia Phillies may have to brace for an uphill battle to revive his form.
Pitcher Joe Musgrove comes in at number nine, carrying a negative value of -48.7 million. His injury-prone history has significantly impacted his availability, with zero starts projected for 2025. Despite his prowess when healthy, the San Diego Padres may find it challenging to justify his $20 million salary without consistent pitching performances.
8. Giancarlo Stanton
The variability of Giancarlo Stanton's performance has put him at a high Panic level. Once expected to hit 50 home runs annually, he now faces a negative evaluation of -56.4 million. With his contract decreasing from $32 million to $19 million over the next few years, the Yankees may remain hopeful for a turnaround but still face concerns about his durability and production.
Trevor Story has struggled since joining the Boston Red Sox, now rated with a high Panic level and a negative value of -65.9 million. Despite a hefty six-year, $140 million contract, his ongoing injury issues have limited his appearances. With only modest returns on investment, the Red Sox might be regretting this acquisition as they look to maneuver through the remaining high dollar years.
Once a top-tier player, Anthony Rendon’s situation with the Los Angeles Angels is dire. He holds an extreme Panic level due to his inability to stay healthy and consistently perform. With a significant contract of $245 million across seven years, he currently sits at a staggering negative value of -67.2 million, leaving Angels fans discouraged about their investment.
5. Javier Baez
Javier Baez is another extreme case, as Tigers fans have long yearned to part ways with his substantial contract. His lack of production, reflected in declining OPS numbers, equates to a significant negative value of -69.5 million. With three years remaining on a $140 million deal, the Detroit Tigers may find it exceptionally difficult to move Baez without taking on further financial burdens.
At number four is Xander Bogaerts, still considered valuable but with a high Panic level. Since signing an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres, his performance has not echoed his former glory in Boston. With a negative valuation of -87 million, the continuing decline in his OPS is causing concern for Padres fans who were optimistic upon his arrival.
3. Manny Machado
While Manny Machado maintains a low Panic level thanks to his continued productivity, his contract holds an alarming weight. Sitting at 11 years and $350 million, his future financial commitments raise eyebrows, especially as he ages and potentially transitions into a less demanding role. He carries a negative value of -98.2 million, which could complicate future trades.
Chris Bryant's tenure with the Colorado Rockies has been marred by injuries and disappointing performance, leading to an extreme Panic level. His contract of $182 million over seven years meets with poor production metrics, resulting in a negative value of -118 million. Teams interested in acquiring him would likely be warned off by the question of whether he can stay fit to contribute.
Surprisingly or not, Mike Trout holds the top spot for the most untradable contract in baseball. Despite a low Panic level, his health issues haunt the Angels, leaving them cautious about any trade scenarios. His monumental contract of $426 million for 12 years coupled with a negative value of -11.9 million renders any trades highly unlikely. Trout remains the heartbeat of the organization, making the idea of moving him unfathomable despite the significant financial implications.
The evaluation of these contracts serves as a reminder of the balance teams must strike between talent and investment. While every player holds potential, the combination of health, performance, and financial commitment can render certain contracts near impossible to unload. In this trade market climate, teams must navigate their rosters with these considerations in mind, particularly for the players highlighted above.
Part 1/10:
The Most Untradable Contracts in Baseball
In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, trade discussions are always prevalent. Considering teams are balancing financial commitments, performance expectations, and player health, some contracts stand out as decidedly untradable. Drawing upon evaluations from Baseball Trade Values, here are twelve of the most untradable contracts currently in the league.
12. Dansby Swanson
Part 2/10:
Sitting at number twelve is Dansby Swanson of the Chicago Cubs, whose performance has seen a downturn recently. While he remains a solid defensive presence, his offensive contributions have regressed, resulting in a concerning negative trade value of -4.5 million. With a contract worth $28 million annually over the next three years, the Cubs may struggle to find a trade partner without including significant assets, such as a top prospect.
11. Christian Yelich
Part 3/10:
Next is Christian Yelich, whose Panic Level has noticeably risen. Once a powerhouse, Yelich's production has dwindled since signing his extension with the Milwaukee Brewers. Although his OPS showed signs of life in 2024, injuries have hindered his impact. With four years left at $22 million per season, his negative value of -42 million renders him a risky asset for the Brewers.
10. Trey Turner
Despite initial expectations, Trey Turner finds himself in a precarious position, earning a negative value of -46.5 million. With a contract averaging $27.2 million per year through 2033, his performance has dropped since his high-level play earlier in his career. Although classified as low Panic, the Philadelphia Phillies may have to brace for an uphill battle to revive his form.
Part 4/10:
9. Joe Musgrove
Pitcher Joe Musgrove comes in at number nine, carrying a negative value of -48.7 million. His injury-prone history has significantly impacted his availability, with zero starts projected for 2025. Despite his prowess when healthy, the San Diego Padres may find it challenging to justify his $20 million salary without consistent pitching performances.
8. Giancarlo Stanton
The variability of Giancarlo Stanton's performance has put him at a high Panic level. Once expected to hit 50 home runs annually, he now faces a negative evaluation of -56.4 million. With his contract decreasing from $32 million to $19 million over the next few years, the Yankees may remain hopeful for a turnaround but still face concerns about his durability and production.
Part 5/10:
7. Trevor Story
Trevor Story has struggled since joining the Boston Red Sox, now rated with a high Panic level and a negative value of -65.9 million. Despite a hefty six-year, $140 million contract, his ongoing injury issues have limited his appearances. With only modest returns on investment, the Red Sox might be regretting this acquisition as they look to maneuver through the remaining high dollar years.
6. Anthony Rendon
Part 6/10:
Once a top-tier player, Anthony Rendon’s situation with the Los Angeles Angels is dire. He holds an extreme Panic level due to his inability to stay healthy and consistently perform. With a significant contract of $245 million across seven years, he currently sits at a staggering negative value of -67.2 million, leaving Angels fans discouraged about their investment.
5. Javier Baez
Javier Baez is another extreme case, as Tigers fans have long yearned to part ways with his substantial contract. His lack of production, reflected in declining OPS numbers, equates to a significant negative value of -69.5 million. With three years remaining on a $140 million deal, the Detroit Tigers may find it exceptionally difficult to move Baez without taking on further financial burdens.
Part 7/10:
4. Xander Bogaerts
At number four is Xander Bogaerts, still considered valuable but with a high Panic level. Since signing an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres, his performance has not echoed his former glory in Boston. With a negative valuation of -87 million, the continuing decline in his OPS is causing concern for Padres fans who were optimistic upon his arrival.
3. Manny Machado
While Manny Machado maintains a low Panic level thanks to his continued productivity, his contract holds an alarming weight. Sitting at 11 years and $350 million, his future financial commitments raise eyebrows, especially as he ages and potentially transitions into a less demanding role. He carries a negative value of -98.2 million, which could complicate future trades.
Part 8/10:
2. Chris Bryant
Chris Bryant's tenure with the Colorado Rockies has been marred by injuries and disappointing performance, leading to an extreme Panic level. His contract of $182 million over seven years meets with poor production metrics, resulting in a negative value of -118 million. Teams interested in acquiring him would likely be warned off by the question of whether he can stay fit to contribute.
1. Mike Trout
Part 9/10:
Surprisingly or not, Mike Trout holds the top spot for the most untradable contract in baseball. Despite a low Panic level, his health issues haunt the Angels, leaving them cautious about any trade scenarios. His monumental contract of $426 million for 12 years coupled with a negative value of -11.9 million renders any trades highly unlikely. Trout remains the heartbeat of the organization, making the idea of moving him unfathomable despite the significant financial implications.
Part 10/10:
The evaluation of these contracts serves as a reminder of the balance teams must strike between talent and investment. While every player holds potential, the combination of health, performance, and financial commitment can render certain contracts near impossible to unload. In this trade market climate, teams must navigate their rosters with these considerations in mind, particularly for the players highlighted above.