Arguably one of the worst contracts of the 21st century is finally off the books. Third baseman Anthony Rendon, who signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels before the 2020 season, has had the final year of his deal bought out by the organization. A player mainly known for being in the conversation as one of the best players in baseball with the Nationals, and for being on the field during Washington’s 2019 World Series run, was essentially a fragment of himself once he took his talents to Southern California. His time spent with the Angels was underwhelming to say the least.

He was essentially a lock a to be on the injured list at some point of his tenure with the organization. If that meant missing the entire season or majority you can put it on your bingo card that the most expensive contract for a third baseman was not living up to his standards. A career hampered by so many injuries including chronic issues with his groin, hamstrings, back, shins, wrists and hips which required surgery on both.

At the end of his time spent with the Angels he only played in 257 out of 1032 games. Some may say he didn’t take care of his body properly or others may say he simply did not care about the game of baseball after signing the contract. I mean you can even hear from the man himself “It’s never been a top priority for me. This is a job. I do this to make a living. My faith, my family come first before this job. So if those things come before it, I’m leaving”, but he clarified, “Oh, it’s a priority for sure, because it’s my job. I’m here, aren’t I?”

Talk about a team player. Someone with a fully guaranteed contract showing that level of indifference is inexcusable. For a guy now most remembered not for his play, but for getting into a dugout altercation with a fan and grabbing him by the collar, it says everything.

Ironic to say the least that his most productive season came in the COVID shortened season of 2020 when he had 54 hits, 11 doubles, 9 home runs, 31 RBIs, for a slash line of .319/.412/.598/1.010 for an OPS+ of 157. He wouldn’t play more than 58 games for the remainder of his career. And even with the regular 162 game seasons he still put up similar statistics to the 52 game stretch he had in 2020. He joins the list of Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton both who had their last year of their contract bought out by the Angels for a disastrous tenure.

As we look forward towards the future of the Angels organization it is important to not let this moment stain what needs to be done to get back into contention. Spend money where it is appropriate but lesson learned, do not throw endless money at a player who seemingly has had troubles with injury. It is hard to see sometimes if a player will play to their standards, injuries happen and it is unexpected. It is truly a gamble of all gambles and hard to be certain the future outcome of a player if we don’t know for sure if they will be healthy. I’d suggest to reinvest the $35 million owed to Rendon on pitching. Instead of buying out all these reclamation projects like Grayson Rodriguez and Alek Manoah get someone who can stabilize the rotation. Pitchers are less injury prone than a player who is expected to play all 162 games of the season. Time to see what works and make some needed changes moving forward because the Angels cannot make this same mistake again after already making the mistake twice before this. Change is needed.