Anthony Rendon’s time in Major League Baseball appears to be nearing its end. The 35-year-old third baseman is expected to retire, according to reports, with one year and $38 million remaining on his contract with the Los Angeles Angels. While a buyout hasn’t been finalized, Rendon is reportedly willing to defer a portion of his salary to help the Angels gain some payroll flexibility heading into the offseason.
It’s a quiet, complicated end to what once looked like a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
Back in the winter of 2019, Rendon was one of the most coveted free agents on the market. Fresh off a World Series title with the Washington Nationals and the best season of his career, he had his pick of suitors.
The Texas Rangers were in the mix, reportedly offering a six-year, $192 million deal. But it was the Angels who ultimately landed him with a seven-year, $245 million contract.
At the time, it looked like a major win for Los Angeles. Rendon was coming off a monster year in D.C., finishing third in MVP voting and putting up a 1.010 OPS in 2019. Through seven seasons with the Nationals, he compiled 30.3 bWAR and a 126 OPS+, earning a reputation as one of the game’s most complete third basemen - a steady glove, a disciplined bat, and a knack for coming through in big moments.
But the version of Rendon that showed up in Anaheim never quite lived up to the billing.
Injuries were a constant roadblock. Over five seasons with the Angels, Rendon played in just 200 games - never more than 58 in a single season.
His production dropped sharply, with just 3.3 bWAR and a league-average 100 OPS+ during his time in L.A. His best stretch came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, when he posted a 150 OPS+ and 2.2 bWAR in 52 games.
Outside of that, though, it was a frustrating ride for both Rendon and the Angels.
Now, as retirement looms, there’s a sense of what could have been. Rendon’s talent was never in question. But availability - and perhaps motivation - became recurring talking points.
Recently, former teammate Kevin Pillar added fuel to that conversation. Speaking on the Foul Territory show, Pillar suggested that Rendon’s effort level didn’t always match the expectations that come with a $245 million contract.
“When you sign a large deal, you owe it to the team to put your best foot forward,” Pillar said. “I don't think people inside the clubhouse, the front office, and the ownership group believe Anthony Rendon put forth his best effort every single day.”
That’s a strong statement - and one that echoes sentiments that have quietly followed Rendon in recent years. Fair or not, perception matters in this game, especially when a player is sidelined as often as Rendon was. Whether it was a string of bad luck or something deeper, the reality is that his time in Anaheim never came close to matching the expectations that came with his contract.
For Rangers fans, there’s a bit of vindication in all this. Back in 2019, missing out on Rendon felt like a loss.
Now, with the benefit of hindsight, it’s clear that Texas dodged a bullet. The Angels took the swing - and missed.
As for Rendon, his legacy remains a tale of two careers. In Washington, he was a star - a cornerstone player who helped deliver a championship and looked like a lock for Cooperstown. In Los Angeles, he became a cautionary tale about big contracts and the unpredictable nature of player health and performance.
If this is truly the end, Rendon walks away from the game with a ring, a résumé full of accolades, and a reminder that even the most promising careers can be derailed by things no one sees coming.