Third baseman Anthony Rendon was anticipated to be a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Angels when he signed a seven-year, $245 million contract in December 2019. As a substitute, he has been an albatross.
Rendon was wholesome throughout the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He appeared in 52 video games and completed tenth within the AL MVP voting. In 232 plate appearances, he hit 9 homers and 11 doubles, producing a batting line of .286/.418/.497.
That was additionally the final time Rendon spent a lot of the season on the diamond. For the reason that begin of the 2021 season, he has appeared in simply 205 video games, producing a disappointing .231/.329/.336 slash line in 863 plate appearances, hitting 13 homers and 39 doubles. He has missed almost 70% of the Angels’ video games over the previous 4 years as a litany of injuries has stored Rendon on the sidelines.
2025 is shaping as much as be extra of the identical. Sam Blum of The Athletic reported that Rendon will endure hip surgical procedure after a setback in his rehab and is predicted to be out for a “lengthy period of time.”
Blum famous that it’s unsure whether or not Rendon performed his final recreation for the Angels. On the finish of final season, he reported that Rendon was not assured a roster spot transferring ahead. The Angels signed former All-Star Tim Anderson — a transfer that would have hastened Rendon’s departure if Anderson confirmed he had something left within the tank.
It’s truthful to surprise how exhausting Rendon has pushed to return to the lineup. In 2024, he sparked controversy by saying he merely considers baseball his job and that it was “by no means a high precedence.” He’ll proceed to obtain his wage it doesn’t matter what as he takes up a roster spot till his inevitable transfer to the 60-day injured listing.
At this level, Rendon has confirmed that the Angels can’t depend on him transferring ahead. Their offseason strikes are these of a staff seeking to contend for a playoff berth. Preserving Rendon on the roster, even with a spot on the IL, doesn’t assist with that purpose. As he has been unable to remain on the diamond and is already dealing with a prolonged stint on the IL once more this season, it’s time for the Angels to stroll away.
