Part 5/9:
Key free-agent decisions, such as the ill-fated four-year, $68 million contract given to Victor Martinez, exemplify the pitfalls of risky investments. After suffering injuries, Martinez’s performance declined sharply, ultimately leading to one of the league's least productive designated hitters. Coupled with similarly disappointing contracts for players like Jordan Zimmermann and other prominent figures, it became apparent that the burden of these agreements weighed heavily on the franchise.