Since signing a lucrative $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019, Anthony Rendon has struggled to stay on the field. He's participated in just 257 out of a potential 708 games, and unfortunately, his playing time is about to decrease even further.
Rendon recently underwent hip surgery, a procedure that is anticipated to sideline him for a significant period, potentially the remainder of the season. This latest setback raises serious questions about the 35-year-old's future with the team.
Rendon's time with the Angels has been plagued by injuries. Since 2021, he's been placed on the injured list a staggering 12 times. In 2024 alone, he dealt with hamstring, lower back, and oblique issues, limiting him to just 57 games where he hit a disappointing .218 with zero home runs and only 14 RBIs.
The Angels signed Rendon after his stellar 2019 season with the Washington Nationals, where he hit .319 with 34 home runs and 126 RBIs, playing a key role in their World Series victory. However, his performance since joining the Angels has been a stark contrast to his previous success. His combined RBI total over five seasons with the Angels is actually one less than his 2019 total, with significantly fewer home runs.
Rendon's contract runs through the 2026 season, but his persistent injury problems have led to speculation about his ability to contribute meaningfully to the team. Over the past two years, Rendon has made comments suggesting that baseball isn't his top priority, expressing dissatisfaction with the length of the season and even hinting at retirement. An incident in 2023 where he swung at an Oakland A's fan, resulting in a suspension, further complicated his relationship with the sport.
Since joining the Angels, Rendon has failed to play even 60 games in a single season, averaging just 51 games. This is a significant drop from his time with the Nationals, where he consistently posted a strong OPS and received MVP votes in five different seasons. The Angels are undoubtedly hoping for a turnaround, but Rendon's future remains uncertain.
