It’s no secret that the Angels signed the third baseman to a seven-year, $24MM contract Anthony Rendon It didn’t go the way the club had hoped. Although Rendon had a stunning first season with Anaheim in the shortened 2020 season, the four seasons since have been marred by injuries and ineffectiveness. Rendon played in just 205 total games and 863 plate appearances during that span, and his .231/.329/.336 (89 wRC+) slash line (on the rare occasions when he was healthy enough to play) left Much to be desired. With two years and $77MM left on his contract, it seemed inevitable that the Angels would continue to try to make Rendon a regular in their lineup, but MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger relayed the club’s president on Monday. Manager Perry Minasian’s comments suggest the club is willing to go in another direction.
“We have to be open to at least looking at this place and seeing if there are alternatives that could make us better,” As Bollinger relayed, Minassian touched on hot-button issues. “Obviously, a healthy Anthony Rendon Let’s get better. But since the last four years have been the last four years, we need to take a look and see what else is out there.
To that end, Bollinger reported that Rendon will participate in 2025 spring training “competing for a roster spot,” adding that Minasian suggested the 34-year-old could serve in a part-time utility position, with first-and-second time slots in his sights He also gained base at this position in addition to his original third. That’s likely to happen if the Angels add a full-time third baseman via trade or free agency, and Bollinger noted that Minassian hasn’t ruled out the possibility. The Angels general manager also noted that the club’s in-house infielder corps offers a number of players capable of handling hot corners, such as Louis Rengifo, Scott Kingeryand Kevin Newman.
The Angels considering moving on from Rendon as the starting third baseman certainly makes sense based on his performance in recent years, but it’s still shocking considering the massive amount of money he’s owed over the next two seasons. That being said, this winter does provide the club with some interesting infield candidates to bolster the offense. It seems unlikely that the Halos will approve another massive third base signing with Rendon, so it would be surprising to see what they target Alex Bregman Becomes a free agent this winter. In addition to Bregman, free agency offers a number of interesting options, such as Josh Rojas, Donovan Solano, Juan Moncadaand Paul de Jong. Popular trade candidates this winter include Nolan Arenado (whose onerous contract was the same obstacle faced in pursuing Bregman), Alec Bohmand Brett Batty.
DeJong in particular could be an interesting pick for the Angels given the Opening Day impact at shortstop Zach Neto After offseason shoulder surgery. The 31-year-old DeJong has plenty of experience at shortstop and could fill the role for the Halos when Neto improves, moving to the hot corner spot once the youngster returns. Another option is to take advantage of Regifford’s positional flexibility and add a second baseman. Gleyber Torres is Cornerstone’s top free agent this winter, but if the Angels aren’t willing to meet his price tag, more affordable options include Jorge Polanco, Jose Iglesias, Amed Rosarioand Whit Merrifield. Iglesias and Rosario, like DeJong, offer a wealth of experience at shortstop that could help Neto fill a void early in the season and then move on from the position late in the season once he’s ready .
If the Halos do add another bat to the offense at some point this winter, Bollinger said the addition is more likely to be an infielder than an outfielder. The Angels still intend to keep the look of the franchise long-term Mike Trout He has every opportunity to return from injury and re-establish himself as one of the best players in the game, although the club has yet to decide whether he will continue to play center field every day or spend more time at corner outfield and DH. Looking ahead, Bu Ringer conveyed that the club believe they have completed the position because there are Joe Adell, Mickey Moniakand Tyler Ward If possible, choose a center that is at least part-time. Bollinger added that although Jorge Soler After being acquired from the Braves last month, the Halos are also open to playing Trout in the corner outfield if the Angels decide to rest him at the position or occasionally utilize other players, and he’s expected to get the bulk of his playing time at DH. .
