Anthony Rendon, fresh off a World Series title with the Washington Nationals, is heading west. Last night, Rendon reportedly reached agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a 7-year deal worth $245 million.
Rendon, 29, had the best year of his 7-year big league career in 2019. Aside from earning a World Series ring with the Nats, Rendon finished third in NL MVP balloting as he led the NL in RBIs (126) and doubles (44) while hitting a career high .319 and 34 HRs. He enters 2020 with a .290 lifetime batting average, 994 career hits with 136 HR and 546 RBIs.
Rendon gives the Angels a much needed shot in the arm and provides possible long term protection in the lineup for Mike Trout as Albert Pujols is nearing the end of his 10-year deal. Of course, the Angels will need to shore up their pitching (i.e. David Price, Madison Bumgarner or perhaps both) if they expect to have their first winning season in five years, but Rendon will certainly help boost the offense as well boost interest in the team in the short term.
This development has sorely disappointed the Angels' AL West rival Texas Rangers who were hoping the lure the Lone Star native to their organization. With Rendon heading to California, the Rangers are turning their attention to Josh Donaldson who had a resurgent season in 2019 with the Atlanta Braves. Although I wonder if the Nats won't try to convince Donaldson to succeed Rendon at third base.
As with any long term contract there is always a risk. The opportunity for injuries abound. Even if Rendon stays healthy he might have reached the pinnacle of his career in 2019 and simply might not thrive under the big lights of Los Angeles (okay it's Anaheim, but you get my point). For the moment though Rendon's ship has come in. The question now is will it set sail.
No comments:
Post a Comment