4) Worst contracts in the NL East: Patrick Corbin of the Washington Nationals
Patrick Corbin signed a massive six-year deal worth $140 million to join Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg in a loaded 2019 Nationals rotation, despite the Phillies' interest. In the first year of the deal it paid off tremendously as Corbin had a really strong regular season and was instrumental in their run through the postseason. He delivered three scoreless innings in Washington's Game 7 victory over the Astros to deliver their first championship.
Since that first season, the contract has been an absolute disaster. From 2020-2022, Corbin had a 5.82 ERA in 73 starts. That is, obviously, horrific. This season has been a bit better as his ERA sits at 4.71 through 25 starts this season, but celebrating a below-average season for a pitcher making $140 million isn't something Nats fans envisioned having to do.
The 34-year-old has one more year remaining on his deal after this one, as he's set to make $35 million in 2024. He'll be one of the highest-paid pitchers in baseball to be one of the worst pitchers in baseball. Washington likely won't be planning on competing anyway so it's not the worst thing in the world, but again, not what they had in mind when Corbin signed the deal.
One positive from this deal, similar to Turner, is amidst his struggles he's taken the ball every fifth day. Corbin has given D.C. everything he has, which is absolutely something fans can be proud of. They just wish he was much better on the mound.