Adam Dunn finally got his wish. When Dunn’s signing with the Chicago White Sox becomes official, he will have the longest contract of his career. Last time he went through free agency, he could only find a two year deal. But, thanks to GM Kenny Williams, Dunn has long-term security through 2014.
And Williams will have another albatross contract.
Before the ink is even dry on Dunn’s deal, Williams will be stuck with a contract he can’t move. Dunn is a great power hitter. This is not in question. But Dunn wasn’t even the best left handed power hitter available. And some of Dunn’s numbers are cause for long-term concern.
In 2010, Dunn hit .280 against right handed pitching. But he only hit .199 versus lefties. His numbers from 2007-2009 vs. LHP: .268/.195/.238. Dunn isn’t a complete player, and yet he’s going to be banking the highest number of any designated hitter.
Another cause for concern is after six straight seasons of 100 or more walks, Dunn’s free bags fell to 77 in 2010, and his on-base percentage dropped nearly 50 points from 2009 to 2010. His strike outs also increased to 199, up from 177 in 2009 and 164 in 2008.
That being said, here are five players who will provide better bang for the buck of their future 2011 teams.