The Los Angeles Dodgers have won back-to-back World Series titles thanks largely to historic spending. A full 14 players on their roster are making eight figures this season, building a true powerhouse. However, not every massive investment paid off. As their dreams of a three-peat hang by a thread, three massive contracts stand out as major financial mistakes.
First up is outfielder Kyle Tucker. The Dodgers handed him a four-year, $240 million deal, and many fans practically handed them the World Series title before the season even started. Instead, Tucker suffered the worst year of his career, slashing .233/.330/.385 with 17 home runs and 70 RBI. While he was better down the stretch and in the postseason, going 2-for-8 in the NLCS isn’t enough for a player averaging $60 million a year. Compare that to Juan Soto, who makes $51 million a year but has played like an MVP.
Then there is closer Edwin Diaz. The Dodgers gave him a three-year, $69 million contract to lock down the bullpen. It was a move that looked smart on paper, but Diaz posted a brutal 8.68 ERA in 21 games and missed a huge chunk of the season with injuries. It mirrored the rough first year of teammate Tanner Scott. With how much the offense struggled in October, the front office might have wished they spent that money on a big bat instead of a pitcher who couldn’t stay healthy.
Finally, there is outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. After a massive year in 2024, the Dodgers re-signed him to a three-year, $66 million deal. Handing a power-hitting corner outfielder over 30 a multi-year deal is risky, and this one backfired almost immediately. His 103 OPS+ in 2025 was his worst in a full season, and his streakiness carried right into the playoffs, where he went just 5-for-26 overall. Dave Roberts keeps hitting him in the heart of the order, but he hasn’t been able to deliver, making his contract feel like a heavy burden.
