Introduction
Anthony Rendon stands among the most talented — and controversial — hitters of his generation in Major League Baseball (MLB). A former star with Washington Nationals, Rendon’s high-profile move to Los Angeles Angels sparked massive expectations. However, a mix of injuries, inconsistency, and off-field factors have cast a long shadow over what many consider one of the most expensive—and disappointing—contracts in modern baseball history. This article gives an SEO-optimized, in-depth look at his stats (via ESPN & Baseball Reference), salary journey, family life, agency, and the controversies surrounding his lucrative deal.
Early Life & Background
Anthony Michael Rendon was born on June 6, 1990, in Houston, Texas, U.S. Raised in a Mexican-American family, he is the son of Rene and Bridget Rendon and has a brother named David.
He began his high school career at George Bush High School before transferring to Lamar High School. As a senior at Lamar, he was named a first-team 5A All-State shortstop and earned All-Greater Houston honors, after hitting .570 — with eight home runs, 56 RBIs, 56 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases.
Though initially drafted in the 27th round of the MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves out of high school, Rendon declined the offer, choosing instead to attend Rice University. His college career at Rice and elite performance there paved the way for his selection as the sixth overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals.
Professional Career & Stats (ESPN / Baseball-Reference)
Rendon made his MLB debut on April 21, 2013, for the Washington Nationals. Over his career across multiple seasons, he has built a track record marked by both brilliance and frustration. According to Baseball-Reference:
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Batting average: .280
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Home runs: 158
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RBIs: 671
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Hits: 1,218 (as per his career totals)
Peak with Washington Nationals
With the Nationals, Rendon emerged as one of the league’s top third basemen. His peak season came in 2019, when he:
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Slashed an outstanding batting line (with elite power and on-base metrics).
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Led the National League in RBIs with 126.
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Helped lead the Nationals to their first ever World Series championship.
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Earned All-MLB First Team honors, an All-Star selection, and a Silver Slugger Award.
Move to Los Angeles Angels: Expectations vs Reality
After his World Series success, Rendon signed a monster contract with the Angels. But since joining the Angels, things haven’t gone as planned.
From 2021 onward:
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Rendon struggled to stay healthy, playing no more than 58 games in a single season.
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His batting and slugging numbers dropped significantly.
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Performance dipped so badly that many analysts consider his Angels tenure a major disappointment relative to his contract.
By 2024, he appeared in only 57 games for the Angels — hampered by a hamstring strain, back inflammation, and oblique issues at various points in the season.
Even though his career average remains a respectable .280 with solid counting stats (158 homers, 671 RBIs), the contrast between his time in Washington and stunted output in Anaheim is stark.
Salary & Contract History
Early Contracts & Arbitration
Before his mega-deal, Rendon’s earnings were more modest. For example, ahead of the 2018 season, he avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $12.3 million contract with the Nationals.
The Big Angels Deal
In December 2019, Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The deal included no opt-out and a full no-trade clause.
The contract structure, as reported: signing bonus of around $4 million; base salaries starting at $25.5 million in 2020, rising to $27.5 million in 2021, then to $36 million for 2022, and $38 million per year through 2023–2026.
Thus his average annual salary on that deal works out roughly to $35 million per year.
Recent public data (2025) confirms his on-field earnings at $38 million, with negligible off-field earnings (endorsements) listed as ~$0.1 million.
Return on Investment?
The numbers on paper are enormous — but critics argue the return has been poor. Over four seasons with Angels, Rendon reportedly earned approximately $168 million, yet played in fewer than 250 games.
Some media outlets have gone as far as to label the contract as “baseball’s worst.”
Family & Personal Life
Off the field, Anthony Rendon is a family man. He married Amanda Rendon (née Amanda Rodriguez) on November 25, 2017.
The couple has four children: two daughters — Emma and Savannah — and twin boys, Levi and Dakota.
When he signed with the Angels, Rendon publicly said that a “family atmosphere” was a major factor in his decision. He emphasized wanting to plant roots and build a stable life outside of the high-pressure spotlight.
This prioritization of family and privacy helps understand some of his later comments and attitude toward the game.
Representation — Agent & Off-Field Matters
Rendon is represented by prominent sports agent Scott Boras, one of the most powerful figures in baseball contract negotiations.
It was reportedly Boras who negotiated the Angels’ 7-year, $245 M contract — a deal that immediately placed Rendon among the highest-paid in the league. Boras and Rendon managed to lock in long-term financial security — though critics argue the gamble didn’t pay off for the Angels.
Recent Developments & Controversies
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As of 2025, the relationship between Rendon and the Angels appears to be nearing its end. The team and player are reportedly discussing a buyout of the final year of his contract.
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If the buyout proceeds, it is widely expected that Rendon may retire, influenced by long-term injuries and his own diminishing passion for the game.
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His tenure with the Angels has often been described as one of baseball’s worst high-profile contracts — with poor production, frequent injuries, and massive salary commitments.
The contrast between his stellar years in Washington and the disappointment in Los Angeles remains a cautionary tale about long-term contracts in MLB. Anthony Rendon.
Legacy: Great Talent, Unfulfilled Potential?
It’s undeniable that Rendon, at his peak, belonged among MLB’s elite third basemen — a powerful hitter, clutch performer, and defensive asset. His 2019 season remains one of the best in recent memory for a position player: All-Star, Silver Slugger, MVP votes, and a World Series ring.
However, the years with the Angels seem destined to overshadow much of that brilliance. Chronic injuries, lack of production, and the weight of a huge contract have derailed what might have been a lasting legacy.
Today, Rendon’s name sparks debate: one of unfulfilled potential and arguably the worst free-agent gamble in modern baseball history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Anthony Rendon’s career batting average?
A: Rendon has a career batting average of .280.
Q: How many home runs and RBIs does Rendon have?
A: As of 2024, Rendon has hit 158 home runs and driven in 671 RBIs.
Q: How much is Rendon’s contract with the Angels worth?
A: He signed a seven-year, US$245 million contract with the Angels in December 2019.
Q: Who is Anthony Rendon’s agent?
A: His agent is veteran super-agent Scott Boras.
Q: Why is his Angels contract considered a flop?
A: Because despite huge salary commitments (average ~$35–38 M per year), Rendon played far fewer games than expected due to repeated injuries and underperformance — making it one of MLB’s most criticized free-agent deals. Anthony Rendon.
Conclusion
Anthony Rendon’s career is a complex tale — one of a gifted athlete, peak performance, and a World Series triumph, but also of injuries, unmet expectations, and financial burden for his team. His journey from rising star to expensive liability underscores the unpredictable nature of sports careers, especially in a high-stakes, long-term contract era. For fans, analysts, and prospective free agents, Rendon’s story serves as both inspiration and caution.
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