The Rendon Regret: How a World Series Hero Became an Angels Albatross
Anthony Rendon arrived in Anaheim with the weight of expectations and the promise of a championship pedigree. Fresh off a World Series victory with the Washington Nationals in 2019, where he cemented his status as one of the league’s premier third basemen, Rendon was the centerpiece of the Los Angeles Angels’ offseason ambitions. The Angels, desperate to provide support for their generational talents, Mike Trout and later, Shohei Ohtani, inked Rendon to a lucrative seven-year, $245 million contract, a deal that was supposed to usher in an era of sustained contention.
However, the narrative that unfolded since that December signing has been a far cry from the envisioned fairytale. Rendon’s tenure with the Angels has been plagued by persistent injuries, hindering his ability to contribute consistently on the field. The two-time Silver Slugger, once renowned for his offensive prowess and defensive stability, has struggled to stay healthy, failing to appear in more than 58 games in any of his four seasons with the team.
The statistics paint a stark picture of the disappointment surrounding Rendon’s time in Anaheim. He has participated in a mere 257 games, a fraction of the potential appearances expected from a player of his caliber and salary. This limited availability has been further exacerbated by a staggering 12 stints on the injured list since 2021, a testament to the recurring physical setbacks that have derailed his career.
The financial implications of Rendon’s underperformance are particularly staggering. As the Angels head into the 2025 season, Rendon’s $38.6 million salary stands as the highest among all third basemen in Major League Baseball. This exorbitant figure underscores the immense financial burden the Angels are carrying for a player who has been unable to consistently contribute to the team’s success.
To put Rendon’s salary into perspective, consider the list of the highest-paid third basemen in the league:
- Anthony Rendon, Angels – $38,571,429
- Nolan Arenado, Cardinals – $29,533,909
- Alex Bregman, Red Sox – $25,930,874
- Matt Chapman, Giants – $25,166,667
- Austin Riley, Braves – $22,000,000
- Jose Ramirez, Guardians – $19,000,000
- Manny Machado, Padres – $17,090,909
- Jeimer Candelario, Reds – $16,000,000
- Eugenio Suarez, Diamondbacks – $15,000,000
- DJ LeMahieu, Yankees – $15,000,000
As you can see, the difference between Rendon’s salary and the next highest paid third baseman, Nolan Arenado, is substantial. Rendon’s salary is more than $9 million higher than Arenado’s, highlighting the significant financial investment the Angels made in him.
These figures, compiled by USA TODAY and calculated by the MLB Labor Relations Department, reflect the present-day value of contracts, including deferrals and signing bonuses. The data, intended to provide an accurate representation of cash obligations for each team, further underscores the financial ramifications of Rendon’s contract for the Angels.
The Rendon situation serves as a cautionary tale for teams investing heavily in free agents, particularly those with a history of injuries. While Rendon’s talent was undeniable during his time with the Nationals, the Angels failed to adequately assess the risks associated with his injury history. The result has been a significant financial setback for the franchise, hindering their ability to pursue other player acquisitions and potentially impacting their overall competitiveness.
The Angels’ struggles to contend during Rendon’s tenure have been further amplified by the departure of Shohei Ohtani. With Ohtani now a Los Angeles Dodger, the Angels face an even greater challenge in rebuilding their roster and competing for a playoff spot. The financial burden of Rendon’s contract limits their flexibility in the free agent market and further complicates their path to contention.
The Rendon saga raises questions about the Angels’ overall roster management and their ability to effectively evaluate player risk. While injuries are an inherent part of baseball, the Angels’ repeated struggles to sign healthy and productive players have become a recurring theme. The team’s failure to adequately address these issues has resulted in a period of sustained mediocrity, frustrating fans and jeopardizing the careers of their star players.
Looking ahead, the Angels face a difficult decision regarding Rendon’s future. Trading him is highly unlikely, given the size of his contract and his injury history. The team may be forced to ride out the remaining years of his deal, hoping for a miraculous return to form. However, even if Rendon were to regain his previous level of performance, the financial burden of his contract would still weigh heavily on the team’s payroll.
Ultimately, the Anthony Rendon signing will be remembered as one of the most significant free agent busts in recent baseball history. The Angels’ gamble on a World Series hero backfired spectacularly, leaving the team with a costly and underperforming player. The Rendon regret serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in free agency and the importance of thorough due diligence when making significant financial investments in players. As the Angels look to rebuild their roster and contend for a championship, they must learn from the mistakes of the past and prioritize sound decision-making in their future player acquisitions. The ghost of Rendon’s contract will continue to haunt them as they navigate the challenges of the years to come.
