When a major league team faces a seemingly inevitable breakup with a high-paid star, it often sparks intense speculation and debate. That’s exactly the situation with the Los Angeles Angels and their star third baseman, Anthony Rendon. Reports are surfacing that the two sides are currently in negotiations over a contract buyout, with Rendon apparently leaning toward retirement. This development could mark the end of a tumultuous chapter for both player and franchise. According to ESPN’s Alden González, the Angels and Rendon are exploring options to settle the remaining year of his deal, which could involve a buyout arrangement.
Rendon’s contract, a hefty seven-year pact worth a total of $245 million, still has one year and $38 million left on it. But here’s where the controversy heats up — this deal has become infamous in baseball circles for all the wrong reasons. It’s widely regarded as one of the biggest busts of this era, if not of all time. Despite the enormous investment, the Angels have seen very little return. Rendon showed flashes of his old form in his first year, which was 2020—a season shortened to just 60 games because of COVID-19. Since then, injuries have plagued him, and even when he has managed to play, his impact has been minimal.
This saga raises questions about how teams should handle such costly investments when injuries and declining performance threaten to turn them into sunk costs. Will the Angels be able to salvage something from this situation, or is this a sign of a broader trend where big-money contracts become more of a liability than an asset? And with Rendon’s potential retirement looming, the conversation about whether such high-profile deals are worth it continues. Expect more updates as this story develops.
What’s your take on the risks and rewards of signing such expensive contracts? Do you believe teams should accept the high costs when players don’t live up to expectations, or is it time to rethink how contracts are structured in baseball? Drop your thoughts below—this debate is far from over.