Dead money is an unavoidable reality in today's MLB. Gaudy free-agent deals don't pan out. International signees crash and burn. Stuff happens.
In a league where contracts are guaranteed, clubs often end up paying guys not to play for them.
For some teams, however, dead money is more like a payroll graveyard. Take, for example, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 2019, Los Angeles will pay more than $40 million to guys who won't pitch an inning or take an at-bat in a Dodgers uniform or even set foot in the home dugout at Chavez Ravine.