Anthony Rendon Expected to Retire, Angels in Talks for Contract Buyout

The Los Angeles Angels may be preparing to part ways with one of their marquee players, as veteran third baseman Anthony Rendon is expected to retire. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported that the team and Rendon are in discussions regarding a buyout of the final year of his contract.

Rendon’s decision comes after a challenging stretch marked by injuries, including a season-ending hip surgery in 2025. If the buyout is finalized, it would resolve the remaining $38 million owed to him for 2026 and provide the Angels with added financial flexibility.

When he signed with Los Angeles in 2019, Rendon became the highest-paid third baseman in Major League Baseball, coming off a successful run with the Washington Nationals. At the time, the Angels anticipated he would provide elite production both at the plate and in the field.

Instead, Rendon’s time in Anaheim has been hindered by injuries and inconsistent performance. Over four seasons, he appeared in just 205 of a possible 648 games, struggling to replicate the form that earned him his massive contract.

1. Rendon’s Struggles in Anaheim

Rendon’s tenure with the Angels has been marred by injuries to nearly every part of his body, including his groin, knee, oblique, shin, back, wrists, and hips. Each setback forced him to spend time on the injured list, limiting his ability to contribute consistently. Offensively, Rendon struggled to match expectations. Over four seasons, he slashed just .231/.329/.336, a far cry from the production that made him a star in Washington. His last home run with the Angels came in July 2023, highlighting the offensive drought that plagued his later years. Injuries compounded the team’s challenges, particularly when paired with the bad luck that befell superstar Mike Trout. The combination of missed games from both players hindered the Angels’ ability to compete at a high level. Despite the setbacks, Rendon maintained a professional approach to recovery, focusing on rehabilitation and staying involved with the team during his downtime. The potential retirement represents a quiet but definitive end to a tenure filled with high expectations and unfortunate misfortune.

2. Financial Implications for the Angels

The buyout of Rendon’s final contract year would carry significant financial implications for Los Angeles. By deferring or reducing the $38 million owed for 2026, the team would gain flexibility to pursue other roster moves or reinvest in player development. This approach has precedent in MLB, where teams often negotiate buyouts to limit long-term financial risk while giving players a dignified exit. For Rendon, the buyout allows a measure of security while ending a career slowed by injuries. The Angels now face the challenge of addressing the third-base position. With Rendon potentially stepping away, the team will need to explore internal options, trades, or free-agent signings to fill the void. Financially and strategically, this move could mark a turning point for the franchise, as they look to balance payroll constraints with the need to remain competitive in a tough AL West division.

3. Legacy and Career Reflection

Anthony Rendon leaves the game with an accomplished career, despite the difficulties of his final years. Prior to joining the Angels, he was a key contributor to the Nationals’ 2019 World Series championship run and consistently performed at a high level both offensively and defensively. Rendon’s Angels tenure may not have matched the promise of his contract, but his work ethic and professionalism were consistently praised by teammates and coaches. He battled through injuries that would have sidelined lesser players, demonstrating commitment to his team and craft. Fans and analysts alike will remember the highs of Rendon’s career—particularly his clutch performances in Washington—and reflect on the “what could have been” moments in Anaheim. His impact on the game extends beyond statistics, serving as a model for resilience and dedication. Ultimately, Rendon’s likely retirement underscores the challenges of translating past success into a new environment, especially when injuries intervene. His departure leaves a gap in both talent and experience for the Angels as they look toward the future.