Padres Editorial: Boom or Bust! All-Time Best/Worst Free Agent Pitchers Part I

Mandatory Credit: Jon Soo Hoo/Dodgers

 #5 Darren Dreifort, Los Angeles Dodgers (2001) 5 years-$55 million

Despite a 39-45 career record and a history of arm problems, the Dodgers decided to sign Darren Dreifort to a five-year contract after the 2000 season. Even though he was already a Dodger, he was allowed to declare for free agency, thus qualifying for this list. Super money agent Scott Boras sold the Dodgers on the fact Dreifort had tremendous upside and youth.

Boras also reportedly told Dodger management Dreifort was close to signing with the rival Colorado Rockies. That was enough, and the Dodgers yet again invested millions of dollars on their pitching staff. Dreifort almost immediately hurt himself after inking the contract. The five year totals were 204.7 innings, a 4.64 ERA , 1.53 WHIP and a 9-15 record. That’s a whopping $6.1 million dollars for each win! What a horrible contract.