UPDATE: The Los Angeles Angels and Anthony Rendon have officially restructured the final years of his contract, effectively concluding the All-Star third baseman’s tumultuous tenure with the team. Sources confirmed to ESPN that this agreement comes as Rendon was slated to earn $38 million in 2026, the final year of his $245 million deal signed in 2019.
Rendon, who has faced significant injury setbacks, including a complete 2025 season lost to hip surgery, will now receive his payments spread over a “few years,” although specific details remain undisclosed. This restructuring marks a critical moment for both the player and the franchise, which has seen its playoff hopes dashed since 2014.
The 35-year-old third baseman, a former standout with the Washington Nationals, will not officially announce his retirement but is expected to focus on rehabilitation from his home in Houston. Despite remaining on the roster next season, the Angels may opt to place him on the 60-day injured list to free up space.
Rendon’s contract was once celebrated when he became the highest-paid third baseman in the league. Yet, his performance has dwindled drastically; he has played in just 205 of a possible 648 games since 2020, with a disappointing batting average of .231 during that span. His last home run for the Angels came on July 1, 2023, and he has not played more than 58 games in a single season since joining the team.
The Angels, burdened by injuries to their star players, including Mike Trout, have struggled to maintain competitiveness. Their roster has suffered from a lack of depth, further exacerbated by the absence of both Rendon and Trout. Meanwhile, the emergence of Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player has not been enough to turn the tide for the Angels, who have recorded 10 consecutive seasons with below-.500 records.
The restructuring of Rendon’s contract comes as Kurt Suzuki, his longtime teammate from the Nationals, has taken over as the Angels’ manager, marking the franchise’s sixth managerial change in eight years.
As the Angels look to rebuild, the focus will shift to how they can navigate the challenges posed by significant contracts and injuries. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this restructuring impacts the team’s future and player morale.
The Athletic was the first to report on this developing story, highlighting the need for the Angels to pivot strategically in what has become a challenging era for the organization. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.