Brace yourself, MLB fans, as this is yet another chapter in the ongoing Anthony Rendon storyline. Spoiler alert: it’s not a short story.
The latest news? Rendon is headed for hip surgery, and Angels GM Perry Minasian didn’t sugarcoat it—this isn’t a quick-fix situation. (per The Athletic)
We’re talking long-term absence here. At this point, that phrase might as well be synonymous with Rendon’s name. The guy just can’t catch a break, or maybe it’s the Angels who can’t.
The MLB Contract That Keeps on Haunting
Let’s rewind for a second. Back in 2019, Rendon was a World Series hero with the Nationals, the type of player who made opposing pitchers sweat and front offices salivate.
The Angels handed him a seven-year, $245 million contract, and in Year One, things actually looked promising—52 games, a .286/.418/.497 slash line and a whole lot of optimism. Then? The wheels fell off.
Since 2021, Rendon has spent more time on the injured list than on the field, landing there a staggering 13 times for everything from wrist surgeries to hamstring strains to oblique issues.
Now, at 34, he’s recovering from hip surgery, a major procedure that raises serious doubts about whether he’ll even play again in an Angels uniform.
Who’s Holding Down Third Base?
But here’s the kicker: even before this latest setback, the Angels weren’t exactly banking on Rendon. Minasian clearly stated that he wouldn’t receive the third base job out of obligation.
The team reportedly explored trades for Nolan Arenado, Alec Bohm, and Eugenio Suárez before ultimately signing Yoán Moncada to a one-year, $5 million deal.
Now, with Rendon officially out for the foreseeable future, Moncada becomes the de facto starter—assuming he can stay healthy, which isn’t a given either.
Kevin Newman, signed earlier this offseason, could also see some reps at third base, and with shortstop Zach Neto still recovering from shoulder surgery, the left side of the infield is looking a little shaky.
Neto is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery according to MLB.com, but he’s still limited to hitting off a tee and isn’t cleared to throw yet.
What’s Next for Rendon and the Angels?
Bottom line? This is another gut punch for an Angels franchise that has endured far too many.
With Rendon’s MLB contract running through 2026, the front office will eventually have to make a tough call—ride it out and hope for a miracle comeback, or swallow the cost and move on.
Either way, it’s safe to say this signing will go down as one of the biggest misfires in Angels history.
