The American League East is not only the best division in baseball right now, but this season it's been one of the best divisions of all time with every team over .500 in mid-August. Even the Boston Red Sox, despite some inconsistent play of late, are five games over .500 and not in last place.
With teams being so good, there're bound to be some good contracts. Teams like the Rays and Orioles have been among the best teams in the AL all season despite low payrolls. Even the Blue Jays have done a nice job spreading their money around and have mostly stayed away from bad contracts.
When looking at the worst contracts in the AL East, most of the focus is on the two consistent spenders in the division, the Yankees and the Red Sox. Those two teams are battling for fourth in the division right now. Maybe if they spent a little wiser, they'd be in a better spot when it comes to the playoff race.
It's important to note that the rankings of these contracts have to do with what's left more than the present value. Everyone knows the Corey Kluber contract wound up being an awful one, but he's likely gone after the year.
10) Worst contracts in the AL East: Josh Donaldson
Following the 2019 season, Josh Donaldson signed a four-year deal worth $92 million to join the Twins following an MVP-caliber year in Atlanta. He had a rough 2020 but bounced back in 2021 as he hit 26 home runs and had an .827 OPS.
Minnesota then turned around and traded Donaldson with two years left on his contract to the Yankees in a deal that sent Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela to Minnesota. Donaldson has been an utter disaster in New York.
He had an awful year in 2022, and this season has slashed .142/.225/.434 with ten home runs and 15 RBI. He has 15 hits in 106 at-bats this season. He's been a good defender at the hot corner, but his bat has made him a negative player overall.
Donaldson is currently on the 60-day IL and isn't eligible to return until September. He's making $25 million this season to essentially do nothing while on the field, and spend a whole lot of time on the IL.
Donaldson being on the final year of his deal makes this contract only the 10th worst in the division, but it's been a brutal one for the Yankees overall.