Anthony Rendon missed significant time this past season, recovering from a leg injury suffered near the All-Star break. The injury ended his year in which he played just 43 games for the Los Angeles Angels.
Rendon is entering the fifth year of his seven-year, $245 million contract he signed prior to the 2020 season. The 33-year-old has been one of the most disappointing signings across the league, appearing in just 200 games over a four-year span.
At times, Rendon has been productive, but those instances are far and few. In 2023 prior to his season ending, the veteran posted a .236/.361/.318 slash with two home runs, 22 RBI, and 23 runs scored.
His power numbers have significantly diminished as a member of the Angels, but there’s optimism from the front office that they benefit when Rendon is on the field, per Sam Blum of The Athletic:
“I mean, yeah,” Angels GM Perry Minasian said when asked if Rendon will be the everyday third baseman. “I know the last three years have been really tough for him. And I get it. He’s had a lot of injuries. He knows that. We are a significantly better club with him on the field.
“Yes. I expect him to be our third baseman. I expect him to play every day.”
Minasian wasn’t the Angels general manager when Rendon was signed, but has been steadfast in his support of the former World Series MVP, despite his issues.
The fracture in Rendon’s leg last season was a huge hindrance on any shot of him turning around his narrative with the Angels, unfortunately.
In Rendon’s absence, Minasian reiterated how his ability to put up professional at-bats with his baseball IQ was sorely missed from the Angels lineup. Alongside Mike Trout, their big ticket contract third baseman is the other piece to the roster that ultimately needs to stay on the field, as a healthy contributor.
Angels hire of Ron Washington ‘makes people better
With a load of uncertainty on the roster with the mixture of youth and solid veterans that still includes Trout, the Angels have one of the most beloved coaches.
Washington last held a head coaching job with the Texas Rangers in 2014, following an eight-year run. From 2010-to-2013, his Texas Rangers teams won at least 90 games, reaching the World Series twice in 2010 and 2011.
His work with Braves infielders was met with high praise, which the Angels front office took note of and is another plus for the hands-on style of coaching that Washington brings. This type of approach could be a strong spark to the current group, leading to a lot of growth.
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