Which San Francisco Giants player has the worst contract?

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ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 22: Johnny Cueto #47 of the San Francisco Giants reacts as he returns to the dugout after forcing Luis Valbuena #18 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to hit into a double play to end a bases loaded threat in the sixth inning of the game at Angel Stadium on April 22, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

A Strong Contender

SP Johnny Cueto—two years, $47 million

The Giants owe Johnny Cueto $21 million each of the next two seasons, along with a $5 million buyout on a $22 million option for 2022.

An All-Star in the first season of a massive six-year, $130 million deal, Cueto fell off dramatically in his second season with the team, posting a 4.52 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 25 starts.

He made just nine starts last season before eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery in August. While there’s a chance he could return before the 2019 season is over, he’ll essentially have two lost years heading into the back-end of the deal.

Even if he returns healthy, it’s a longshot to think he’ll return to peak form in his age-33 season, especially considering how he pitched in 2017.

Best-case scenario, Cueto can eat some innings and take some pressure off of some of the young starters who are trying to establish themselves.

However, thinking he’ll come anywhere close to earning his $21 million salary is wishful thinking of the highest order.