Anthony Rendon, the Los Angeles Angels third baseman, is expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season after undergoing hip surgery. This news comes as Rendon has struggled with injuries throughout his tenure with the Angels, having played in only 257 out of a possible 708 games since signing a lucrative $245 million contract in 2019.
Rendon, who will celebrate his 35th birthday in June, has faced a series of setbacks, being placed on the injured list 12 times since 2021. In 2024 alone, he dealt with multiple injuries, including hamstring, lower back, and oblique issues, which limited him to just 57 games where he batted .218 with no home runs and 14 RBIs.
The former All-Star had been a key player for the Washington Nationals, contributing significantly to their 2019 World Series victory. That season, he achieved a remarkable .319 batting average with 34 home runs and an MLB-leading 126 RBIs. However, since joining the Angels, his performance has drastically declined, with his statistics reflecting a shadow of his former self. In fact, during his five years with the Angels, he has recorded only one more RBI and twelve fewer home runs than he did in the entire 2019 season.
Rendon’s contract with the Angels runs through the 2026 season, but his future in baseball is uncertain. In recent years, he has expressed that baseball has not been his top priority, citing personal reasons and contemplating retirement shortly after starting his major league career. His frustrations have been evident, culminating in incidents such as a suspension for swinging at a fan during a game in 2023.
As the Angels prepare for the upcoming season, they will have to navigate the challenges of Rendon’s absence, which raises questions about their roster depth and overall performance without one of their highest-paid players. The team will likely look to other players to step up in his absence while hoping for a successful recovery and return for Rendon in the future.