This article digs into Anthony Rendon’s wild career arc, from World Series hero in Washington to one of the most criticized big-money signings the Los Angeles Angels ever made.
It looks at how a massive contract, constant injuries, up-and-down performance, and off-field drama turned what could’ve been a Hall of Fame path into one of baseball’s most frustrating “what ifs.”
From World Series Hero to Franchise Cornerstone-in-Waiting
When the Angels handed Anthony Rendon a seven-year, $245 million contract, they weren’t just chasing a good player. They thought they were getting a franchise-changing third baseman in his prime.
Fresh off a starring run with the Nationals in the 2019 World Series, Rendon had a reputation as one of baseball’s most complete players. He arrived in Anaheim expected to form a powerhouse trio with Mike Trout and, later, Shohei Ohtani.
The hope was that this group would finally push the Angels into real contention. On paper, it all looked ideal: an elite bat, a steady glove, and a guy who stayed calm in big moments.
Early Returns: A Promising 2020 Campaign
In the short 2020 season, Rendon mostly delivered. He posted a .915 OPS and finished in the top 10 for AL MVP voting, which made the Angels look smart—at least for a while.
His plate discipline, gap power, and ability to work tough at-bats were all still there. Even in just 60 games, it felt like the Angels had finally landed a long-term anchor at third base.
The Collapse: Injuries, Inconsistency, and Diminished Impact
From 2021 on, Rendon’s story became less about what he accomplished and more about how rarely he played. The numbers really spell out the disappointment.
Limited Availability and Fading Production
Between 2021 and 2024, Rendon played just 205 games, averaging only 51 a season. For a guy signed to be a franchise anchor, that’s just brutal.
His offense faded badly. In those four years, he hit only 13 home runs—a shocking drop from what he did in Washington.
The once-dangerous bat just wasn’t there, and the Angels never got the middle-of-the-order threat they’d paid for. On defense, Rendon lost his edge too. He struggled with his throws and didn’t look anything like the smooth, reliable third baseman he once was. The decline was obvious, and it hurt.
Off-Field Comments and Controversy
Things got even messier with Rendon’s public comments and disciplinary issues. While fans were already frustrated by his injuries and lack of production, he made remarks suggesting baseball wasn’t his top priority and even said he’d like a shorter MLB season.
That rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, especially considering how much time he’d missed and the size of his contract. It made him seem out of touch with the urgency around his role.
It didn’t help when Rendon got suspended in both 2022 and 2023—once for a brawl, once for an altercation with a fan. For someone already struggling to help the team, these incidents just deepened the frustration and hurt his image.
Contract Buyout Talks and an Uncertain Ending
As his injuries piled up and his performance never bounced back, it seemed more and more likely that the Angels and Rendon would part ways early. Now, they’re talking about a contract buyout that would end his time in Anaheim.
Walking Away from Big Money
Rendon’s expected to retire soon, which means he’ll probably give up some of the $38.5 million he’s owed in 2026. Even with a buyout, the financial mess for the Angels is still huge—in actual dollars and in lost opportunities.
People around the league already call this one of the worst contracts in MLB history. With all that money spent, so little playing time, and barely any production, it’s a cautionary tale for teams considering long-term deals for players past their peak—even those with elite track records.
Rendon’s Legacy: A Career Defined by “What If”
Anthony Rendon’s story isn’t just “bad contract” or “bust.” His best years in Washington were honestly brilliant—he was a huge part of a championship team and one of the most complete players in the league.
From Brilliant Prime to Disastrous Decline
For a lot of fans—especially in Anaheim—his legacy feels defined by the jarring contrast between that prime and his decline with the Angels.
It’s the classic “what if” story, honestly:
We’ll never know. Rendon’s time with the Angels just lingers as a missed opportunity for both sides—a franchise desperate for a turning point, and a star whose body just wouldn’t cooperate.
His years in Washington still show what he could do at his best. Anaheim, though, stands as a reminder of how quickly a brilliant career can unravel.
Here is the source article for this story: Anthony Rendon finally found a reason to never play baseball again
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