The Los Angeles Angels' decision to sign Anthony Rendon to a lucrative seven-year, $245 million contract in 2020 has quickly turned into one of the worst deals in Major League Baseball history. Rendon's rapid decline, marked by a significant drop in production and public comments about his disinterest in the game, has played a major role in the Angels' recent losing seasons. As the team now considers whether to guarantee Rendon a starting job, this case serves as a cautionary tale for teams navigating the complexities of long-term contracts in professional sports.

A Cautionary Tale for MLB Contracts

The Rise and Fall of Anthony Rendon

Prior to signing with the Angels, Rendon was coming off an outstanding 2019 season with the Washington Nationals, where he hit .319/.412/.598 and contributed nearly seven wins above replacement. His excellent defense at third base, on-base skills, and a career-high 34 home runs helped the Nationals win the World Series. The Angels, seeking to form a devastating offensive trio with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, made Rendon a top priority and signed him to a lucrative long-term deal.However, just a few short years later, the Angels are coming off a 99-loss season, and none of the three hitters – Rendon, Trout, and Ohtani – took an at-bat for the team after September 7. Rendon's decline has been stunningly quick and comprehensive, with a significant drop in production that has played a major role in the Angels' recent losing seasons.

Rendon's Declining Performance

After hitting 34 home runs in 2019, Rendon's power numbers have plummeted. He has hit a combined 22 home runs in his five seasons with the Angels, with just two total home runs in 100 games between 2023 and 2024. Additionally, Rendon's batting average has fallen dramatically, as he hasn't hit above .240 since 2020, a far cry from his three consecutive years with a batting average over .300 in Washington.Rendon's struggles have not gone unnoticed by the Angels organization. In a recent interview, Angels GM Perry Minasian stated that Rendon will have to "show us he can still play and earn the right to play every day" before earning a starting job with the team. This is a testament to how far Rendon has fallen, as someone making $35 million per year is no longer guaranteed a starting role.

The Implications for the Angels

The Angels' decision to sign Rendon to a lucrative long-term contract has had significant implications for the team's recent performance. With Rendon, Trout, and Ohtani all missing significant time due to injuries or declining production, the Angels have struggled to field a competitive team, resulting in a 99-loss season in 2024.The Angels' need for a healthy and productive Rendon is clear, as Minasian acknowledged. However, with Rendon's recent track record, it's hard to project much success in 2025, even if he is healthy. The team's willingness to potentially bench Rendon or limit his playing time is a testament to the difficult decisions organizations must make when faced with underperforming players on lucrative contracts.

Lessons for MLB Teams

The Rendon saga serves as a cautionary tale for MLB teams navigating the complexities of long-term contracts. While the Angels' decision to sign Rendon was understandable at the time, given his proven track record and the potential to form a formidable offensive trio, the rapid decline in his performance has highlighted the risks inherent in such deals.As teams continue to invest heavily in free agents and seek to lock up their star players long-term, the Rendon case underscores the importance of due diligence, risk assessment, and contingency planning. Factors such as age, injury history, and potential for decline must be carefully considered when making these types of commitments.Moreover, the Angels' willingness to potentially bench Rendon or limit his playing time, despite his hefty contract, demonstrates the need for flexibility and a willingness to make tough decisions in the best interest of the team. Blindly adhering to long-term contracts, regardless of performance, can be detrimental to a team's overall success and competitiveness.The Rendon saga serves as a cautionary tale, reminding MLB teams that even the most promising free agent signings can quickly turn sour. As the league continues to grapple with the challenges of long-term contracts, the lessons learned from this case will be invaluable in shaping future decision-making and ensuring the long-term success of franchises.