Angels, Anthony Rendon Discuss Final Contract Buyout Amid Retirement Speculations

Los Angeles, California — The Los Angeles Angels are in discussions with third baseman Anthony Rendon about buying out the final year of his contract, a source informed ESPN on Wednesday. This move could wrap up a seven-year, $245 million deal that has failed to yield expected results.

Rendon, who turned 35 years old in June, has been sidelined since February 2025 when he underwent hip surgery. Sources indicated that he is expected to retire following the potential buyout. He is set to earn over $38 million in 2026.

The negotiations for the buyout have not yet been finalized, and such situations can become complex. However, it is anticipated that Rendon may agree to defer a portion of his salary, allowing the Angels some financial flexibility to make roster improvements.

The Angels originally made Rendon the highest-paid third baseman in baseball in December 2019 after he helped the Washington Nationals clinch their first World Series title. However, his time with the Angels has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 257 games across six seasons, with a total of 22 home runs and 125 RBIs.

From 2020 onward, Rendon struggled significantly, posting a batting average of just .231. Throughout those years, he dealt with multiple injuries affecting his groin, knee, hamstring, shin, oblique, lower back, wrists, and hips, which kept him off the field for extended periods.

The final setback came during the 2025 spring training when the Angels announced that Rendon would miss the entirety of that season due to his hip surgery. His last home run with the team occurred on July 1, 2023. He has not played more than 58 games in any single season since joining the Angels.

Rendon’s ongoing injury misfortunes contrasted with his previous successes with the Nationals, where he was a 2019 NL MVP finalist before signing with Los Angeles. The Angels have struggled significantly in recent years, failing to make the playoffs since 2014 and recording their 10th consecutive season with a below-.500 record in 2025.

As the Angels move forward, the potential buyout of Rendon’s contract could mark a new chapter for both the player and the franchise.