ANAHEIM, Calif. — When the Los Angeles Angels break camp in 2025, there’s a chance that Anthony Rendon won’t be with them.
The beleaguered third baseman, who is still owed more than $76 million over the next two seasons, might need to earn a job to be on the active roster.
“We’re going to look at everything,” Angels general manager Perry Minasian said when asked if Rendon was assured a roster spot. “We’re going to look at this club. What makes the best sense for this organization. Tony does bring some experience. He’s been in winning environments. He is a smart baseball player.
“For everybody, not just Tony, guys are going to have to come in and earn their jobs.”
Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million contract before the 2020 season. And his first five years in Anaheim have been a disaster. He hasn’t stayed on the field and hasn’t produced in the rare times he’s been healthy.
He’s played just 257 out of a possible 546 games with the Angels, and has not hit a home run since July of 2023. He has a .717 OPS and 100 OPS+, meaning he’s been a replacement-level player. And his replacements have been plentiful. The Angels have used 29 other third basemen in his stead.
Even if Rendon does make the team, Minasian made it clear that he won’t be assured a starter’s role. The Angels have focused more on their younger players. Luis Rengifo, who was having a breakout season in 2024, could be a top candidate for the everyday job.
“When Anthony has played, he hasn’t been productive,” Minasian said. “He’s going to have to come in and earn it. There are no handouts. We’re starting to create some depth … the best players are going to play.”
Looming over Minasian’s comments is the undeniable reality that this won’t fully be his decision. As with anything in the Angels’ universe, owner Arte Moreno will have to decide if he’s willing to pay his once prized acquisition to not be on his team.
Minasian successfully convinced Moreno to release Justin Upton before the 2022 season, and Albert Pujols a month into the 2021 season. In those cases, both players were in the final years of their respective contracts. This would be a stronger financial loss, and thus, a tougher sell to Moreno. Rendon will almost certainly have a shot to prove his case in spring training.
Anthony Rendon has 22 homers in five seasons with the Angels. (John E. Sokolowski / Imagn Images)
Rendon has also consistently been a source of drama. Last season, he said the Angels were incorrect in diagnosing him with a shin bruise, claiming his doctor diagnosed a bone fracture. His desire to play the game has always been a question mark, given his comments over the years about contemplating retirement, and complaints that the season is too long.
It seems that Minasian’s patience with the lack of games played has run out. And not just from Rendon. He made it clear Mike Trout, the Angels’ other highly paid, oft-injured star, needs to be available more for the team to be successful.
“It comes back to the players we’re spending on,” Minasian said. “We need our best players to play. They know that, there’s no secret. They’ve been told that.
“Mike, he’s missing an average of 96 per year? That’s not going to work. Anthony’s played in 52 games per year, the last four years. We need better. It’s not lack of effort. It is what it is. But they understand how important they are.”
Angels Extras
• Angels owner Arte Moreno declined a request to speak with the local media following the franchise’s worst-ever season.
• Minasian said he hasn’t spoken with ownership about the state of payroll for 2025. Payroll dipped by around $40 million in 2024, and it’s unclear if the Angels will increase it again next year. Angels manager Ron Washington, who does have a good relationship with Moreno, said unequivocally that the team won’t be spending at the top of the free-agent market. “I wouldn’t rule anything out. We haven’t had those conversations yet, but I know how bad ownership wants to win.”
• It is likely that the Angels will tender contracts to Griffin Canning, Patrick Sandoval and José Suarez, three arbitration-eligible pitchers who struggled in 2024. Sandoval will likely miss most of 2025 after having Tommy John surgery. That said, those decisions have not fully been made yet. Pitchers Chase Silseth (elbow) and José Soriano (arm fatigue) are expected to be fully healthy in spring training.
• The Angels’ renovated spring training site is expected to be fully operational for the start of the 2025 season, including the installation of hitting and pitching labs.
• The entire coaching staff is coming back in 2025, and the front office is all expected to return as well. Additions or changes to the front office remain possible.
• Minasian praised the work of manager Ron Washington. “He was perfect, for me. Obviously we want to win more games. Accountability is number one, and creating accountability in that room. Creating expectations and creating a work ethic. Teaching, from a game standpoint. We’re really excited about the staff we have.”
• Minasian expressed a belief that the 2024 season produced a lot of positives for the overall health of the organization, and the ability to be successful in 2025. He acknowledged the frustrations and lack of depth but made an effort to focus on the positives salvaged from the 63-99 campaign. “You look at where Arizona was a couple years ago and where they are now. You look at Kansas City. You can look at multiple teams that have made huge jumps. I believe for this organization to do that, we needed to have a young core to build around. And I believe in this young core. We finally have it.”
(Top photo: Katharine Lotze / Getty Images)
