Apr 20, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) reacts after losing to the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees
LOS ANGELES — The Angels’ $245 million man Anthony Rendon is living the dream, right? Maybe not…
The often-injured third baseman hasn’t been on a baseball field much lately but he’s making headlines once again.
In January, Rendon said in a podcast interview that he wished the season could be shorter — an ironic statement from a guy who’s played just 148 games over the last three years.
On Monday, the 33-year-old broke the internet yet again when addressing reporters at the Angels’ spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona.
“It’s never been a top priority for me [baseball],” Rendon said, according to The Athletic. “This is a job. I do this to make a living. My faith, my family come before this job.
“So if those things come before it, I’m leaving.”
There’s nothing wrong with a man putting faith and family ahead of his career but it’s not what you want to hear from a player set to make $38.6 million this season.
Rendon said his passion for the game “has been the same” since being drafted in 2011. But he recently found an email from 2014 — his first full season with the Nationals — in which he listed the pros and cons to remaining in baseball.
And 10 years later, Rendon is still questioning his playing career.
“I’m married. I have four kids. My priorities have changed since I was in my early 20s. So, definitely my perspective on baseball has been more skewed.”
When a reporter asked if baseball remained a top priority, the Angels third basemen said, “Oh, it’s a priority for sure. Because it’s my job. I’m here, aren’t I.”
When asked “Do you want to be here?” Rendon replied that he would prefer not to be talking to the media at an early hour. “I have answered your question. So why do (you) keep picking at it?”
With the Nationals from 2017-2019, Rendon was on one of the leagues best hitters. That led the Angels to sign him to a massive seven-year, $245 million contract as a free agent.
And in return the Halos’ have received a total of 200 games in four seasons.
Now entering his 12th season, and healthy by all accounts (for now), all eyes with be on the Angels third basemen as Spring Training heats up.
