3 Worst Contracts on the Cardinals' Payroll

The St. Louis Cardinals surprised many MLB fans last season out-dueling teams like the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers to win the National League Central. While the Red Birds are looking to compete within their division again this season, some of the contracts on their payroll are not ideal for the organization.

3. Matt Carpenter

Matt Carpenter is under contract with the St. Louis Cardinals until the conclusion of the 2021 season / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Last spring, the Redbirds extended Matt Carpenter's contract two more years and put themselves on the hook to pay him $39 million, all in response to a sensational 2018 season in which he hit a career-high 36 home runs. The three time All-Star the followed up one of his best seasons of his career with one of his worst. In 2019, Carpenter hit a mere .226 with only 15 homers. While he has been a positive contributor for the Cardinals for just about his whole career, the 34-year-old third baseman hasn't responded to his pay bump with anything resemlbing star-level play.

2. Carlos Martinez

Carlos Martinez is hoping he can earn back his spot on the Cardinals rotation / Rich Schultz/Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals had high hopes for their veteran right-hander Carlos Martinez. Three years ago, the parties agreed on a five-year extension worth $51 million. Martinez was only 25 at the time and was expected to grow into St. Louis' ace, and in 2017, Martinez had a great year where he was named an All-Star. However, Martinez struggled with injuries in 2018 and only pitched in 118.2 innings as a result. After missing additional time with a shoulder injury in 2019, Martinez was demoted to the bullpen. While he did a solid job closing out games, registering 24 saves in 2019, he is still getting paid the salary of an effective starting pitcher. If Martinez can return to the rotation in 2020, he may make up for the loss of his value -- but that might be too much to ask.

1. Dexter Fowler

Dexter Fowler has two more years left on his deal with the Cardinals / Rich Schultz/Getty Images

After having arguably the best season of his career in 2016, Dexter Fowler inflated his market value just in time for free agency. Because of that All-Star campaign, Fowler earned himself a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Redbirds. He had a solid first season with the Cards, recording a .264 batting average while hitting 18 bombs, but it was all downhill from there. He hit an unacceptable .180 in 2018 and .238 in 2019. As Fowler is under contract through the 2021 season, the Cardinals can only hope the latter half of his tenure with the club is more productive.