Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon made headlines this week for comments that have followed a similar theme throughout his career. He stated that baseball, for a number of reasons, is not his top priority and that he values other things over his career as a pro athlete, even with the money he’s making. Of course, as the second-highest paid player on general manager Perry Minasian’s roster, those comments can come off more negative than intended.
It’s very likely that most professional athletes do not prioritize their sport over other things, and for some, it is just a job the way Rendon said. However, with his salary and the fact that he has played in 30.4% of the Angels’ possible games over the last three years, it’s far from a good look.
But Minasian aired on Rendon’s side when discussing these comments. He is giving Rendon the benefit of the doubt based on what he sees from the former All-Star third baseman every day in Spring Training and during the season, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“For me, it’s actions, right?” Minasian said. “It’s less about words and more about actions. Anthony is a good teammate. We’ve seen him play with some intensity and even when he’s been on the IL, he’s been there for his teammates. He knows the game. He enjoys playing the games. I believe he’s in a really good place right now and [I’m] expecting a big year from him.”
A big year from Rendon would almost instantly turn around the fortunes of the Angels franchise. Given the money he’s making, to have him lose another 100 games would be difficult for the Halos to overcome when they’re already without their best player from the last three seasons in Shohei Ohtani.
The Angels’ margin for error in 2024 is razor thin, as their two stars have suffered several injuries and the rest of the roster sits on the younger side. So if Rendon’s actions speak louder than his words like Minasian says, perhaps it can all be turned around.
Mike Trout pushing Perry Minasian to sign free agents
Angels superstar Mike Trout has been more vocal this Spring Training than ever before about his relationship with the Angels front office. And within that honesty, he said that he has been pushing decision-makers — Arte Moreno, John Carpino and Minasian — to add marquee players that are still on the free agent market.
