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

4. Mike Moustakas

Cincinnati appeared to have a formidable lineup in 2020 with the accusation of Mike Moustakas on a 4 year, $64 million deal with a club option for 2025. Since the pandemic shortened season though, Moustakas has struggled to be the slugger that the Reds paid him to be.

In 2022, the 33-year old is slashing .214/.295/.345 with 7 HR and 25 RBI in just 78 games played for the club. He used to boast versatility at first base, third base, and second base, but has mostly been a designated hitter in 2022 and has been limited to the corner infield when he has played defensively. Below average defense mixed with .640 OPS on $16 million this year is brutal.

Moustakas was recently moved to the 60-day IL which will effectively end his 2022 season. Injuries have been a huge issue for Moustakas as a Red, and have kept him from ever finding a groove when he is healthy.

With regression beginning back in 2021, it is hard to believe that at age 34, Moustakas will live up to the $18 million bill he will bring to Cincinnati next season. If Moustakas gets off to a slow start, do not be surprised if he is DFA’d by the club like Cain was by Milwaukee this season.