Miggy, Verlander And Prince Fielder On ESPN Writer's 'Worst Deals' List

By Mike Sullivan
ESPN Grantland writer Jonah Keri wrote an article about the worst player contracts in Major League Baseball right now.

The Tigers have one of the steepest payrolls in the league, and two of their players were featured in Keri's story.

Before Keri listed his "Top 10 Worst Deals," he had a "dishonorable mention" section and wrote a column on Miguel Cabrera's contract.

Cabrera's $248 million contract extension scares Keri because, in his words, "There's a good chance this contract will become downright terrifying in a few years, particularly since it doesn't actually begin until 2016. Father Time will forever remain undefeated."

Keri went into his top 10 and listed Justin Verlander at No. 10. Verlander has five years and $140 million left on his deal. Here's Keri's reasoning for why Verlander's contract is a problem:

"With overpaid, aging stars, baseball's worst farm system, and an octogenarian owner who desperately wants a ring and doesn't give a damn about mortgaging the future to try to get one, the Tigers could be a couple of years away from becoming the new Phillies."

Former Tiger Prince Fielder also made the top 10 list. He checked in at No. 5 and has six years/$144 million left on his deal.

The No. 1 worst contract went to Alex Rodriguez who still has three years and $61 million left on his deal.