Page 2: Worst Contracts In Mlb History: The Deals That Went Horribly Wrong

The Angels signed Scott Spiezio to a 3-year, $9 million contract in 2004. This deal was considered a big move for Bill Bavasi, the Angels general manager at the time. Spiezio had a solid 2003 season with the Angels, hitting 24 home runs and driving in 99 runs. The Angels were hoping that Spiezio would continue to be a productive player for them, especially as they were coming off a World Series championship in 2002.

However, Spiezio struggled in 2004 and was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2005. He had a career resurgence in Boston, hitting 24 home runs and driving in 89 runs, even playing a part in the Red Sox World Series victory that season.

The Angels hoped for more from Spiezio, especially after the team’s World Series triumph. The signing of Spiezio was part of a larger effort to build a team that could compete for another championship. They believed he could help them keep that championship window open.

The Angels were a good team during the Spiezio era. They made the playoffs in 2004, 2005, and 2007. However, they never won another World Series.

In hindsight, Spiezio’s contract with the Angels can be considered a bit of a gamble. He was coming off a good year, but he was also 31 years old and had a history of injuries. The Angels were hoping that Spiezio could provide them with power and production at a reasonable price. Ultimately, the Angels paid more for Spiezio’s power than they received.

Spiezio wasn’t the only player to receive a contract that didn’t pan out for the Angels. The team signed Steve Finley to a 3-year, $15 million contract in 2003. Finley was 38 years old at the time and coming off a solid season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, Finley struggled with injuries and only played in 66 games for the Angels in 2003. He was released by the Angels in 2004.

It’s important to note that the Angels have had a lot of success in recent years. The team won the World Series in 2002 and has made the playoffs several times since then. However, the Spiezio and Finley contracts are a reminder that even the best teams in baseball can make mistakes when it comes to free agency.