Ranking the worst contracts in the American League West: A couple Mariners problems

Houston Astros: Lance McCullers Jr.

The Houston Astros have been excellent at turning prospects into regular major leaguers. They have had a number of guys leave in free agency after developing into solid, even elite players, though they have been able to maintain their core group. One of the guys they hoped to be a part of that core group was right-handed starter Lance McCullers Jr.

The soon-to-be 31-year-old looked like he was going to be one of the Astros important contributors on the bump, along with guys like Framber Valdez, Christian Javier and Jose Urquidy. After a few solid years, the Astros decided to give McCullers Jr. a five-year extension worth a total of $85 million. It seemed like it was going to be a steal as McCullers Jr. would go on to truly break out in 2021, throwing 162.1 innings with a 3.16 ERA and a 10.26 K/9. He looked like the workhorse that could anchor a staff for years.

After that, however, McCullers would throw just 47.2 innings in 2022 before undergoing surgery for a right flexor strain in June of 2023. He then tried to rehab this summer, but was shut down. Not long after Astros manager Joe Espada revealed McCullers would miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

What once looked like it could be a steal for the Astros has turned into a nightmare, but not by performance. Unfortunately, injuries have taken their toll on McCullers and he has yet to pitch in back-to-back seasons, all while the Astros have paid him over $30 million during that time. Houston is still on the hook for another $35 million over the next two years. While McCullers Jr. could come back, injuries have made this extension one of the worst in the division.