Looking at 4 of the worst free agent contracts in Chicago Cubs history

4 of the worst free agent contracts in Chicago Cubs history: Jeff Blauser

Again, in no particular order, we wrap up this look at four of the worst free agent contracts in Cubs history with Jeff Blauser. At the time of the signing, fans breathed a sigh of relief: a notorious Cubs killer was finally on our side.

Unfortunately, he left his bat at home.

Blauser, who hit a staggering .351/.413/.611 against the Cubs during a decade-long stint with the Braves, came to Chicago on a two-year, $8.4 million pact prior to the 1998 season. During that run, he put up an 79OPS+ and batted a cumulative .226/.343/.342 for the North Siders. That came on the heels of his final year in Atlanta, when he earned the second All-Star appearance of his career – only increasing the disappointment and scrutiny.

The veteran infielder hung his spikes up after that underwhelming 1999 campaign due to injuries. A two-year deal for Blauser might not seem like a bust worthy of this list, but watching him decimate Cubs pitching for 10 years only to join the team and fall to pieces was a tough pill to swallow.