In a significant turn of events, the Los Angeles Angels have reached an agreement to restructure third baseman Anthony Rendon’s contract, a development that marks the conclusion of his tenure with the team. According to a report by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Tuesday, Rendon will not be playing in the 2026 season.
Rendon initially signed a lucrative seven-year contract valued at $245 million prior to the 2020 season, but due to this new agreement, the $38 million he was set to receive in 2026 will now be spread out over several years. While specific details regarding the terms of this restructured contract remain undisclosed, the Angels have not yet made an official announcement regarding this arrangement.
This decision comes after Rendon faced significant challenges, including a hip surgery that will keep him sidelined for his second consecutive season. Although he is not retiring and will continue to be listed on the active roster, there’s a possibility he could be placed on the 60-day injured list ahead of the new season to free up a space on the 40-man roster.
Rendon’s time with the Angels has been marked by disappointment, largely due to injuries that plagued him throughout his five seasons with the team. During this period, he managed to play only 257 games, achieving a batting average of .242 with a .348 on-base percentage and a .369 slugging percentage, along with 22 home runs and 125 RBIs. His performance dipped notably in his last season, 2024, where he played 57 games and recorded a .218 average without hitting any home runs, contributing just 14 RBIs.
At 35 years old, Rendon boasts a career batting average of .280, with a .364 on-base percentage and a .464 slugging percentage, accumulating 158 home runs, 295 doubles, and 671 RBIs over 1,173 games split between the Nationals and the Angels. His accolades include two Silver Slugger Awards, won in 2014 and 2019, and an All-Star selection in 2019, a year during which he also finished third in the voting for the National League MVP Award. Notably, he played a pivotal role in leading the Washington Nationals to their first World Series championship in 2019, earning a championship ring alongside the current Angels manager, Kurt Suzuki.
With the absence of Rendon, the Angels are actively seeking to fill the third base position this offseason. Additionally, they are looking to enhance their roster by adding another starting pitcher, improving their bullpen, and securing a center fielder.
In light of these changes, the Angels have also opted to utilize some of their financial flexibility to sign reliever Kirby Yates to a one-year deal worth $5 million. This move is part of their strategy to bolster the team, as Yates joins a group of new additions that includes right-handers Alek Manoah and Grayson Rodriguez, along with relievers Drew Pomeranz and Jordan Romano, and utility player Vaughn Grissom.
