Anthony Rendon’s Injury Woes Cast Shadow Over Angels’ Investment
The Contract:
In December 2019, the Los Angeles Angels made a substantial investment in the services of Anthony Rendon, signing the All-Star third baseman to a seven-year, $245 million contract. The deal, which runs through the 2026 season, was seen as a major coup for the Angels, who hoped that Rendon would provide stability and leadership to a team that had struggled to find success in recent years.
The Reality:
Fast forward to the present day, and the Rendon signing has turned into a major disappointment. Since joining the Angels, Rendon has played in just 257 of a possible 708 games, a mere 36%. This includes 12 separate stints on the injured list, most recently for a hip issue that is expected to sideline him for an extended period of time, possibly the entire 2023 season.
Injury Woes:
Rendon’s injury problems have been a recurring theme throughout his tenure with the Angels. In 2021, he missed 112 games due to oblique and hamstring issues. In 2022, he was limited to 57 games after suffering injuries to his hamstring, lower back, and obliques. This season, he has yet to make an appearance, casting significant doubt on his ability to contribute to the team.
Diminished Performance:
When Rendon has been on the field, his performance has been well below the expectations associated with his hefty contract. In 2022, he batted just .218 with 14 RBIs in 57 games, a far cry from the .319 batting average, 34 homers, and 126 RBIs he produced during his breakout 2019 season with the Washington Nationals.
Lost Potential:
Rendon’s injuries and declining performance have not only impacted the Angels’ on-field results but have also raised questions about the viability of his contract. At 35 years old, he is entering the twilight of his career, and there is little reason to believe that his injury woes will subside. This means that the Angels are likely to be paying a significant amount of money for a player who is unable to perform at a high level.
Retirement Considerations:
In recent years, Rendon has made some concerning statements about his priorities and the length of the MLB season. He has admitted that baseball is "never been a top priority for me" and that he has contemplated retirement since shortly after his major league career began. These comments have raised concerns that Rendon may not be fully committed to the sport and could potentially walk away from the game before his contract expires.
Conclusion:
The signing of Anthony Rendon was supposed to be a game-changer for the Los Angeles Angels. However, injuries and diminished performance have turned the deal into a major disappointment. With Rendon now facing the prospect of missing the entire 2023 season, the future of his contract and the Angels’ hopes for success are in jeopardy. Only time will tell if Rendon can overcome his injury woes and return to being a valuable contributor, but the signs point to a difficult road ahead for both him and the team.
