Cardinals: Re-ranking the worst contracts in the NL Central

Paul DeJong #11 of the St. Louis Cardinals on deck (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Paul DeJong #11 of the St. Louis Cardinals on deck (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Lorenzo Cain #6 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates during the game (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Lorenzo Cain #6 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates during the game (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

5. Lorenzo Cain

After being a thorn in the side of St. Louis since 2018, the Milwaukee Brewers cut ties with Lorenzo Cain on June 18th of this season, paying him $18 million this season to sit in free agency.

It was a move that needed to be made though, as when Cain played this season, he slashed .179/.231/.234 with 1 HR and 9 RBI in 43 games. Once a fixture at the top of the Brewers order with the ability to change the game at the plate and in centerfield, the 36-year old looked overmatched during the 2022 season.

It was a rapid fall from grace for Cain, as in 2021 he posted a .730 OPS and looked capable of being a contributor for a few more seasons. He showed no flashes of being that player in 2022 though, and Milwaukee cut bait to give other players shots in their everyday lineup.

On top of the $18 million they are paying Cain this season, they will owe him an additional $1 million per season through 2027. There is a chance Cain can find a roster spot on a club next season, but in all likelihood, his major league career is now over.