MLB’s big-money deals aren’t paying off just yet

John Heyman

MLB

as if John Heyman

May 11, 2023 | 9:02 p.m

The free agent frenzy was something to behold this summer, with five contracts worth at least $300M (counting all three for Carlos Correa) and several other nine-figure deals. But what happened to all that big money? Not much – at least not yet.

Among the $50M-plus signings, Correa (who Budi said should be done), Trey Turner, Jose Abreu and Andrew Benintendi are underperforming stars. Also, Willson Contreras has already been demoted, Jacob deGrom is on the injured list with his third illness after a good start, Justin Verlander has made two starts after missing a month and Carlos Rodon has yet to appear.

Contrary to what it sometimes seems, however, some free agents are extending their contracts – it’s not the headline clauses. Here are a few in the “middle class” of free agency that got off to a good start.

1. Cody Bellinger ($17.5M, Cubs). With hard work — he’s been the first man in Cubs camp most days — familiarity with a few Cubs coaches and more time to recover from a shoulder injury suffered in the 2020 World Series home run celebration, he might be close. Regaining MVP form (.890 OPS).

2. Clayton Kershaw ($20M, Dodgers). Because he is loyal to the Dodgers every year is a great thing. While he is the same age as deGrom (and much more,) he signed a contract for barely more than 10 percent of deGrom’s agreement; The Dodgers legend isn’t thinking about letting go.

3. Nathan Eovaldi ($34M, Rangers). Texas rebuilt the team and is being rewarded. Loved everywhere he went.

4. Kenley Jansen ($32M, Red Sox). He earned his 400th career save Wednesday. Some mistakenly assumed that the pitch clock would judge him (yeah, me too).

5. Zach Eflin ($40M, Rays). This seems like overkill, but rays are in progress.

6. David Robertson ($10 million, Mets). How does he explain such a revival? I have a “new arm,” referring to Tommy John surgery.

7. Kevin Kiermaier ($9M, Blue Jays). One of the game’s best center fielders is off to a good start (.800 OPS).

8. Carlos Estevez ($13 million, Angels). The Angels have made several good mid-market moves, and Estevez has pitched solid shutouts in Orange County.

10. Andrew McCutchen, ($5M, Pirates). He gave the impressive Pirates a psychological boost and hit seven home runs in his former home.

11. Joey Gallo ($11 million, Twins). We know it’s not the right place in New York. The Twin Cities seem to have the right speed, and it’s back to Texas-level production. He’s hitting .189, but it’s a solid .189 (.866 OPS).

Honorable Mention: Wade Mille (Brewers), Arrods Chapman (Royals), Kyle Gibson (Orioles).