Anthony Rendon, the seasoned third baseman currently with the Los Angeles Angels, has had a Major League Baseball career marked by extraordinary highs and, more recently, prolonged periods of absence and public scrutiny. Once a pivotal figure in a World Series triumph, his tenure with the Angels has unfortunately become a case study in how a superstar contract can quickly turn into a significant burden for a franchise.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born on June 6, 1990, in Houston, Texas, Anthony Michael Rendon showed exceptional talent for baseball from a young age. His collegiate career at Rice University was nothing short of spectacular, earning him numerous accolades, including Baseball America’s Freshman of the Year and the Dick Howser Trophy. His impressive performance led to him being selected sixth overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2011 MLB draft, quickly solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in baseball.
Rendon made his MLB debut in 2013, showcasing his defensive prowess and consistent bat. He quickly established himself as a reliable infielder, capable of playing both second and third base. The 2014 season was a breakout year, where he led the National League in runs scored and earned a Silver Slugger Award. His steady improvement culminated in a truly dominant 2019 season. That year, Rendon was an All-Star, won his second Silver Slugger, and was an integral part of the Washington Nationals’ improbable run to the World Series championship. His clutch hitting and exceptional defense were key factors in their victory, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s elite players.
The Angels’ High-Stakes Gamble and Rendon’s Current Contract
Following his World Series heroics, Anthony Rendon entered free agency as one of the most sought-after players. The Los Angeles Angels, eager to build a contending team around perennial MVP candidate Mike Trout, signed Rendon to a massive seven-year, $245 million contract in December 2019. The deal was seen as a bold move to add a proven winner and a top-tier bat to their lineup, with the hope that Rendon would help elevate the franchise to consistent postseason contention.
However, Rendon’s tenure with the Angels has been marred by a seemingly endless string of injuries. Since signing his lucrative deal, he has appeared in a remarkably low number of games. In fact, in the four seasons since his contract began, he has played in fewer than 250 games, which is less than two full seasons’ worth of baseball. This stark reality has led many to label his contract as potentially the worst in MLB history, especially considering the substantial financial commitment the Angels made. As of early 2025, he has already earned approximately $168 million of his contract, yet his on-field contributions have been minimal due to his consistent absence.
A Career Plagued by Injuries
The primary reason for Rendon’s limited playing time and, consequently, the perceived failure of his Angels contract, has been his persistent battle with injuries. Since 2020, he has dealt with a wide array of ailments, including problems with his leg, wrist, groin, and multiple hip issues. The 2024 season saw him make three separate trips to the injured list, missing time with a left hamstring strain, low back inflammation, and a left oblique strain.
The most recent and significant injury update is that Anthony Rendon is expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to left hip surgery. This follows a previous season-ending right hip surgery in July 2022. The continuous setbacks have been a source of immense frustration for both Rendon and the Angels organization, as well as their fan base. While the Angels were somewhat prepared for his injury history, the extent of his absences and the lack of production when he has been available have far exceeded expectations. This situation has led to the Angels focusing on bolstering their infield depth to compensate for his consistent unavailability.
Performance and Statistics with the Angels
When healthy, Anthony Rendon has historically been a highly productive player, known for his exceptional on-base percentage, disciplined plate approach, and ability to hit for power. However, his performance with the Angels has suffered due to his injuries. In the shortened 2020 season, his debut year with the Angels, he did manage to post a strong .915 OPS over 52 games. Yet, in the subsequent years, his OPS has significantly declined, hovering around .666 over the 2021-2024 seasons combined. In 2024, he batted just .218 with no home runs in 57 games, a far cry from the offensive force he once was.
His career MLB statistics (through the 2024 season) show a batting average of .280, with 158 home runs, 671 runs batted in, and an OPS of .828 across 4350 at-bats. These numbers largely reflect his impressive run with the Nationals. His Angels statistics, in contrast, paint a picture of a player unable to consistently contribute.
Financial Standing and Net Worth
Anthony Rendon’s seven-year, $245 million contract with the Angels places him among the highest-paid players in MLB. His annual salary is approximately $38 million. Despite his significant earnings, his continuous absence has meant the Angels are paying a substantial amount per game played, a figure that currently stands around $672,000 per game over his tenure with the team.
As of early 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. While the vast majority of his earnings come from his playing contract, he also has endorsement deals with brands like Budweiser, Adidas, T-Mobile, Rawlings, and Raising Cane’s, which contribute an estimated $100,000-$250,000 annually.
Controversy and Public Perception
Beyond his injury woes, Anthony Rendon has also faced public scrutiny and generated controversy during his time with the Angels. His perceived lack of enthusiasm for the game, at times expressing that baseball is not his top priority and that he values faith and family more, has been met with mixed reactions from fans and media. While prioritizing family and faith is commendable, the timing and context of some of these statements, especially when coupled with his high salary and frequent absences, have fueled a narrative that he is disengaged or lacks the burning desire to play.
Furthermore, there have been instances of friction, such as a physical altercation with a fan in Oakland and disagreements with the team regarding the nature of his injuries, which at one point the Angels characterized as a bone bruise when Rendon later revealed it was a fractured tibia. These incidents, combined with his continued struggles to stay on the field, have contributed to a strained relationship with some segments of the Angels’ fan base. The ongoing discourse around his contract and availability has made him a frequent topic of discussion, often in the context of one of the sport’s most disappointing investments.
The Future of Anthony Rendon
With Anthony Rendon expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to hip surgery and still having two years ($38.5 million each) remaining on his contract, his future in Major League Baseball, particularly with the Angels, remains highly uncertain. There has been speculation that the Angels may eventually opt to release him, even if it means paying out the remainder of his contract, simply to remove him from the roster and the constant discussion surrounding his health and production.
His journey from World Series hero to a perpetually injured, highly paid player has become a cautionary tale for teams considering long-term, high-value contracts for aging stars. While his past accomplishments are undeniable, his current situation highlights the inherent risks in professional sports and the unpredictable nature of injuries. The Anthony Rendon story is a complex one, a blend of immense talent, unfortunate circumstances, and a public perception that has shifted dramatically over the past few years.
The Contractual Conundrum: A Financial Albatross
Anthony Rendon’s seven-year, $245 million contract, set to run through the 2026 season, has become a recurring nightmare for the Los Angeles Angels. With an average annual salary of approximately $35 million, and a 2025 and 2026 salary of $38.5 million each, the financial commitment is staggering, especially when weighed against his minimal on-field contributions.
The stark reality is that since signing the deal in December 2019, Rendon has played in a fraction of the games expected of a player with his caliber and compensation. Through the end of the 2024 season, he had appeared in fewer than 250 games, which means the Angels have effectively paid him tens of millions of dollars per season for limited play. The latest blow, his left hip surgery requiring him to miss the entire 2025 season, only exacerbates this financial burden.
Adding to the Angels’ woes is the revelation that the team does not have insurance on Rendon’s contract, or any other player for that matter, reportedly due to owner Arte Moreno’s reluctance to incur additional costs. This means the Angels are on the hook for every penny of Rendon’s salary, regardless of his playing status. This lack of insurance is a significant factor in why Rendon’s contract is so widely considered one of the worst in MLB history. Had insurance been in place, the financial impact of his injuries would have been mitigated.
Anthony Rendon: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anthony Rendon?
Anthony Michael Rendon is an American professional baseball third baseman who currently plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is known for his strong defense and disciplined hitting approach.
What was Anthony Rendon’s career highlight before joining the Angels?
His undisputed career highlight came in 2019 when he was a key player for the Washington Nationals, helping them win their first World Series championship. He had an All-Star season and was a dominant offensive force during their postseason run.
How much was Anthony Rendon’s contract with the Los Angeles Angels?
Anthony Rendon signed a massive seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2019. This deal made him one of the highest-paid third basemen in MLB history.
Is Anthony Rendon’s contract considered a “bad contract”? Why?
Yes, Anthony Rendon’s contract is widely considered one of the worst, if not the worst, in MLB history. This is primarily due to his extensive injury history since signing with the Angels, which has severely limited his playing time and on-field contributions. He has appeared in a very small percentage of games for the Angels compared to his high salary.
How many games has Anthony Rendon played for the Angels since signing his contract?
Through the end of the 2024 season, Anthony Rendon has played in fewer than 250 games for the Los Angeles Angels since signing his contract in late 2019. This means he has played less than two full seasons’ worth of games over a period of five seasons.
The Road Ahead: An Uncertain Future
With the 2025 season definitively lost to injury and two years remaining on his colossal contract, the future of Anthony Rendon in Major League Baseball, and specifically with the Los Angeles Angels, is clouded in uncertainty. While he is expected to rehab and attempt to return to play, the persistent nature of his injuries, particularly multiple hip surgeries, raises serious questions about his ability to ever consistently contribute at a high level again.
There is growing speculation that the Angels may eventually opt to release Rendon, even if it means paying out the remainder of his contract. This drastic measure would free up a roster spot and, perhaps more importantly, remove the ongoing distraction and narrative surrounding his presence on the team. While the financial obligation would remain, it would allow the Angels to move forward without the perpetual question mark of his availability.
The Angels have already begun to bolster their infield depth in anticipation of Rendon’s continued absence. The acquisition of players like Yoán Moncada and Kevin Newman reflects a strategic shift to ensure they have reliable options at third base. General Manager Perry Minasian has also expressed a more pragmatic stance, stating that Rendon would need to “come in and earn it” if he were to return, and that there would be “no handouts.” This indicates a departure from the earlier approach of catering to the injured star.
Ultimately, Anthony Rendon’s career has become a poignant illustration of the fine line between athletic brilliance and the fragility of the human body, especially under the immense pressures of professional sports. His story serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with long-term, high-value contracts and the unpredictable nature of player health. Whether he will ever return to the field and contribute meaningfully remains to be seen, but his legacy with the Angels will undoubtedly be defined by the colossal contract, the persistent injuries, and the swirling controversies that have overshadowed his undeniable talent.
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