The saga of Anthony Rendon's contract with the Los Angeles Angels is nearing its end, and the aftermath is hard to ignore. With a hefty price tag of over $38 million a year, Rendon's tenure in LA was marred by injuries and off-field issues. Moving on from him was a necessary step for the Angels, and it hasn't gone unnoticed by MLB executives.
In a recent poll conducted by Jayson Stark of The Athletic, baseball executives weighed in on the best and worst offseason subtractions. Rendon's departure didn't cause any concern for the Angels, and he even garnered a few nods in the "best" subtractions category. This raises the question: who else could have been a more impactful departure?
Despite his struggles, Rendon wasn't the top choice. That dubious honor went to former Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos, who left Philadelphia under a cloud of controversy.
Marcus Semien, with reported tensions alongside Corey Seager in Texas, also ranked higher than Rendon. Ultimately, Rendon tied for fifth with two votes, reflecting his challenging stint with the Angels.
Stark offered an insightful take, suggesting that Rendon's forgettable presence last season might have contributed to his lower ranking. It's a perspective that's hard to dispute.
Even though Rendon is no longer part of the team, his financial impact lingers, as the Angels continue to bear some of the contractual burden. This limits the immediate benefits of his departure, especially if owner Arte Moreno doesn't reinvest the newfound financial flexibility into the roster.
If Rendon had opted for retirement and left money behind, the scenario might have been different. Instead, the Angels are left managing the remnants of a contract that didn't pan out as hoped.
For Angels fans, the light at the end of the tunnel is visible. Rendon's contract will soon be a thing of the past, and while the wounds are still fresh, there's hope for a brighter future without this financial anchor.