Ranking the 10 worst contracts in the National League Central Division

9) Rhys Hoskins

Contract Remaining after 2024: One year, $18M

After missing all of the 2023 season with a torn ACL suffered in spring training as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies, first baseman Rhys Hoskins signed a two-year, $34M contract with the Milwaukee Brewers this past offseason.

In his first year with the Brewers, Hoskins has slugged 24 home runs but has seen his production dip in every other category. A career .242 hitter in six seasons with the Phillies, Hoskins is producing career lows in both batting average (.209) and doubles (11) this season.

The 31-year-old has turned into a home run-or-nothing type of hitter and is very unlikely to opt out of the $18M he is due to make next season. while his struggles haven't caused the Brewers to falter they were likely hoping for Hoskins to be more of the hitter he was while with the Phillies when agreeing to the deal.

10) Emilio Pagan

Contract Remaining after 2024: One year, $8M

Signed to a two-year, $16M contract this past offseason, Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan has had a solid first season but at a steep price for a middle relief pitcher.

With a 4-4 record this season and a 3.47 ERA in 36 games, Pagan missed a big chunk of the season with a lat strain, and over his last 15 appearances, he has shown the Reds the player they were hoping to see when he was originally signed posting a 2.65 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 17 innings pitched.

Pagan holds a player option after this season and could opt out of the remaining one year, $8M left on his deal but it's unlikely that he will pass up the guaranteed money given how volatile the relief pitcher market can be.

The Reds entered the 2024 season with high hopes that have floundered, so having a relief pitcher making $8M on the payroll that's not closing isn't ideal for a team that has only one playoff appearance since 2014.