Hubbry Logo
search
logo
Anthony Rendon avatar
Anthony Rendon
Anthony Rendon
current hub
931160

Anthony Rendon

logo
Community Hub0 Subscribers
Read side by side
Anthony Rendon
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Anthony Michael Rendon (/rɛnˈdoʊn/, ren-DOHN; born June 6, 1990) is an American baseball third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Washington Nationals.

Key Information

Rendon played college baseball for the Rice University Owls, where he won the 2010 Dick Howser Trophy. He was selected sixth overall in the 2011 MLB draft by the Nationals, and made his MLB debut in 2013. During his time with the Nationals, Rendon won the Silver Slugger Award in 2014 and 2019, NL Comeback Player of the Year in 2016, was named to the 2019 NL All-Star Team, and led the National League in RBI in 2019. He was a key member of the Nationals' 2019 World Series championship team.

Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2019. Rendon's tenure with the Angels has been marred by injuries, and he has played in only 257 games with the team over six seasons.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Rendon is the son of Rene and Bridget Rendon. He has a brother named David.[2] Rendon is Mexican-American.[3] For the first two and a half years of high school, Rendon attended George Bush High School, before transferring to Lamar High School.[4] As a senior, he was a first-team 5A all-state shortstop and an All-Greater Houston selection by the Houston Chronicle after he hit .570 with eight home runs, 17 doubles, 56 runs batted in, 56 runs, and 13 stolen bases. Out of high school, Rendon was drafted in the 27th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves. He turned down their signing bonus to play for Rice University and head coach Wayne Graham.[5]

College career

[edit]

As a freshman in 2009, Rendon was named Baseball America's Freshman of the Year, All-America, Freshman All-American, NCBWA's District VII Player of the Year, NCAA All-Regional Team, Conference USA Player of the Year, All-Conference USA (first team), Conference USA All-Tournament Team, and MVP of the Silver Glove Series with cross-town rival, University of Houston.[6] As a true freshman, he hit .388 with 20 home runs and 72 runs batted in, starting in all 61 of the Owls' games.[7] Rendon was also nominated for both the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award in his first season at the college level. He led the conference in numerous offensive categories. In Rice's last game, in the Baton Rouge Super Regional, Rendon suffered an ankle injury that required surgery.[citation needed]

As a sophomore in 2010, Rendon won the Dick Howser Trophy and was Baseball America's College Player of the Year, becoming the first underclassman in a decade to win the latter award.[8][9] Additionally, he was named the Rawlings Sporting Goods National Player of the Year, Conference USA Male Athlete of the Year, District VII Player of the Year, First Team All-American, All-south Region, Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Austin Regional, All-Conference USA, All-Conference USA Tournament, and Conference USA Academic Honor Roll. He is only the second player to be named Conference USA Player of the Year twice. He finished the season hitting .394 with 26 home runs and 85 runs batted in, again starting in every one of the Owls' 63 games. Rendon's 26 home runs were the second-highest single season total in school history; the only other Owl to hit more home runs in a year was Lance Berkman. After his Rice season ended, Rendon was invited to represent his country playing on the international circuit for Team USA. He suffered another right ankle injury in the first game against South Korea.[6][better source needed]

Houston mayor Annise Parker declared June 29, 2010 to be "Anthony Rendon Day" in Houston.[6] Rendon was a member of Wiess College while at Rice.[10]

Professional career

[edit]

Washington Nationals

[edit]

The Washington Nationals selected Rendon in the first round, with the sixth overall selection, of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.[11][12] Following the 2012 season, many scouts rated Rendon as the best prospect in the Nationals organization and one of the top prospects in MLB.[13]

2013

[edit]

Rendon started the 2013 season with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators. He was called up by the Washington Nationals on April 20 when Ryan Zimmerman was placed on the disabled list.[14][15] Rendon was optioned back to the Harrisburg Senators when Zimmerman came off the disabled list on May 3.[16]

Rendon was recalled by the Nationals on June 4, 2013. He replaced second baseman Danny Espinosa.[17] Days later, on June 15, Rendon clubbed his first major league home run off Vinnie Pestano of the Cleveland Indians. The ninth-inning solo shot put the Nationals on top and they won 7–6.[18]

Rendon finished the season with the Nationals, putting up a .265/.329/.396 triple slash with seven home runs across 98 games with the major league club.[19]

2014

[edit]
Rendon with the Washington Nationals in 2014

After playing mostly second base the previous year, Rendon was moved back to his "natural position" as the Nationals' third baseman in the 2014 season. The year would be a breakout one for Rendon, who led the National League in runs scored, with 111, while putting up a .287/.351/.473 slash line, hitting 21 home runs, driving in 83 runs, and stealing 17 bases over the course of the season. Rendon placed fifth in National League Most Valuable Player voting and was awarded a Silver Slugger for his performance as a top-hitting third baseman.[19][20] He ranked second among National League position players in wins above replacement, just behind Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates.[21]

While Rendon emerged as a key cog in the Nationals' offense during the season,[22] his prowess in the playoffs was noteworthy as well, as he hit .368 in the 2014 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants.[21]

2015

[edit]

Rendon sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee early during spring training in 2015,[23] and then strained an oblique muscle while on a rehab assignment with the Class-AA Harrisburg Senators, being shut down on May 4.[24] Rendon finally returned to major league action on June 4, 2015, but found himself moved back to second base, with the job of everyday third baseman being held down by new acquisition Yunel Escobar.[25]

Rendon was part of a spectacular defensive play in an August 15, 2015, game against the San Francisco Giants. A sharp grounder off the bat of Brandon Crawford was deflected off the glove of first baseman Clint Robinson, caroming high into the air. Playing deep on the infield shift, Rendon made a barehand grab on the deflected ball and fired to pitcher Felipe Rivero, who gloved it while diving across the first base bag to retire Crawford. Giants broadcasters Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow described the play as one of the greatest they had ever seen.[26]

All in all, Rendon played in just 80 regular-season games in 2015 and put up a .264/.344/.363 slash line.[19] His power was noticeably sapped following the oblique injury, as he hit just five home runs over the course of the season.[27]

2016

[edit]

Rendon returned to form with a batting line over the course of the 2016 season closely mimicking his 2014 campaign, hitting .270/.348/.450 with 20 home runs and 85 RBIs. He avoided spending any time on the disabled list, appearing in all but six regular-season games for the Nationals and exclusively playing third base, with Escobar traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the off-season.[19][28]

On September 6, 2016, Rendon hit his first career grand slam off Williams Perez, which provided the Nationals with a winning margin of victory over the division rival Atlanta Braves in the 9–7 contest.[29]

For his improved performance during the season, Rendon was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year.[30]

2017

[edit]

On April 30, 2017, Rendon went six-for-six with three home runs and 10 RBI in a 23–5 win over the division rival New York Mets. He became the 13th major leaguer with 10 or more RBI in one game while setting a Nationals record.[31] He became the third player in major league history to attain both six hits and ten RBI in the same game, following Jim Bottomley (1924) and Walker Cooper (1949).[32]

Despite leading all National League position players in wins above replacement during the first half of the season, Rendon was not selected to participate in the All-Star Game. He was one of the options in the "final vote" but lost out to Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.[33] Despite the All-Star snub, Rendon was named as Player of the Week in the National League on July 17, 2017, for the week abbreviated by the All-Star break. It was his first time so honored. Rendon hit .636 during the week with three home runs to earn the award.[34] In 2017, he batted .301/.403/.533 with 25 home runs and 100 RBI.[19]

2018

[edit]

In 2018, Rendon batted .308 (4th in the NL)/.374/.535 (7th in the NL) with 24 home runs, and led the National League with 44 doubles.[19]

2019

[edit]

Prior to the 2019 season, Rendon indicated a willingness to sign an extension with the Nationals.[35] In September 2019, the Nationals reportedly offered him a seven-year extension worth $210-215 million.[36]

Rendon was selected to the 2019 MLB All-Star Game for the first time in his career. Rendon said he was honored to be chosen, but opted not to attend the game in Cleveland in order to recover from minor injuries.[37]

In 2019, Rendon batted .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs, led the NL with 44 doubles for the second year in a row, and led the majors in RBIs (126).[19][38]

Rendon was also key to the Nationals' 2019 World Series win.[39][40] He hit for a 1.003 OPS in the postseason to help lead the team to its first-ever World Series championship.[41] He hit key home runs in Games 6 and 7 of the World Series,[42] and his 8 RBIs for the 2019 World Series were the most by a Nationals player.

Following the 2019 World Series, Rendon and Nationals star pitcher Stephen Strasburg both entered free agency. Owner Mark Lerner indicated that the team would not be able to afford to sign both players.[43]

During his seven seasons with the Nationals, Rendon batted .290 with 136 home runs and 546 RBIs.[19]

Los Angeles Angels

[edit]

On December 11, 2019, Rendon agreed to a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.[44][45] He was formally introduced as an Angel on December 14, 2019.[46] In an article entitled "Anthony Rendon Is Instantly Mike Trout's Best Teammate", Neil Payne of FiveThirtyEight.com noted that Rendon's 6.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in 2019 was superior to the single-season WAR of any teammate that star Angels outfielder Mike Trout had played with during his MLB career.[47]

2020

[edit]

On July 28, 2020, Rendon made his Angels debut in the shortened 60-game season.[48] In Rendon's first 12 games with the Angels, he went 28 plate appearances without getting a hit.[49] He ended the hitless streak on August 10, 2020, hitting a home run off of Sean Manaea of the Oakland Athletics.[50] That same night, he recorded his 1000th MLB career hit.[51]

In a COVID-shortened season in 2020, Rendon batted .286/.418/.497 with 9 home runs and 31 RBIs.[19]

2021

[edit]
Rendon with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021

On April 12, Rendon was placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a groin strain.[52] On May 5, Rendon was placed on the 10-day injured list for the second time after suffering a left knee contusion.[53] On June 7, Rendon notched his 600th career RBI with an RBI single off of Kansas City Royals starter Jackson Kowar.[54] On July 6, Rendon was placed on the injured list for the third time after suffering a left hamstring strain. The Angels would later announce on August 4 that Rendon would have season ending surgery to repair a right hip impingement. He finished the season batting .240/.329/.382 in 58 games.[55]

2022

[edit]

On May 10, 2022, during Reid Detmers' no-hitter, Rendon hit his first left-handed home run, against position player pitcher Brett Phillips. This was also the first time Rendon batted left-handed in a major league game.[56] For the next game, Angels manager Joe Maddon listed Rendon as a switch hitter.[57]

On June 17, the Angels stated that Rendon would undergo surgery on his right wrist, for which he was expected to miss the remainder of the season.[58][59]

On June 26, Rendon was part of a bench-clearing brawl between the Angels and Seattle Mariners. After Mariners outfielder Jesse Winker was hit by a pitch thrown by Andrew Wantz, Winker charged the Angels' dugout. During the ensuing brawl, Rendon struck Winker in the face with his non-injured left hand while wearing a cast on his right hand.[60] He received a five-game suspension for his involvement in the brawl.[61] Despite the original expectation that Rendon would be out for the remainder of the 2022 season, the Angels activated him from the injured list on September 28 and he began serving his suspension.[62] He returned to the Angels lineup on October 3 to play the final three games of the season against the Oakland Athletics.[63] He finished the season batting .229 with five home runs and 24 RBIs in 47 games.[19]

2023

[edit]

On April 3, 2023, Rendon was involved in a physical confrontation with a fan after the Angels' Opening Day game against the Oakland Athletics. As shown in video footage, while the Angels were walking to the clubhouse, Rendon grabbed an Athletics fan by his shirt and accused him of heckling him during the game, which the fan repeatedly denied in the moment. Rendon used profanities when speaking to the fan and attempted to slap him before leaving with the team. Rendon received a four-game suspension for the incident and was also fined an undisclosed amount.[64]

On July 4, Rendon suffered a season-ending injury when he fouled a ball off his lower leg during a game against the San Diego Padres. Although Rendon was originally diagnosed with a contusion, it was later revealed that he had suffered a fractured tibia.[65] Rendon finished the season having batted .236 with 2 home runs and a .678 OPS in 43 games.[19]

2024

[edit]

In 2024, Rendon hit .267 in 19 games before suffering a left hamstring strain while attempting to beat out a ground ball on April 20, 2024.[66] After the injury was diagnosed as a high–grade partial tear, Rendon was transferred to the 60–day injured list on May 9.[67] He was activated from the injured list on July 8.[68] He returned to the injured list yet again on July 30.[69] After returning to the Angels in early August, Rendon made yet another trip to the injured list with an oblique injury on September 10. This was the 11th time Rendon landed on the injured list in his first five seasons with the Angels.[70]

In the 57 games he appeared in during the 2024 season, Rendon hit no home runs and compiled a .218 batting average in 206 at bats.[19]

2025

[edit]

Rendon missed the entire 2025 season due to a left hip injury that required surgery.[71] In February 2025, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report ranked Rendon's seven-year, $245 million contract with the Angels as the sixth-worst contract in recent major league baseball history.[72] Also in February 2025, Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated wrote that "Rendon's seven-year, $245 million contract with the Angels may go down as the worst in MLB history".[73]

After the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Angels and Rendon agreed to a restructuring of his contract, marking an end to his tenure with the team. Rendon will receive the remaining $38 million of his contract in deferred payments over the following three to five years.[74]

Personal life

[edit]

Rendon is frequently described by sports media as quiet and modest, qualities that when combined with his strong all-around offensive and defensive performance as an infielder for the Washington Nationals have led some, including 2016–17 Nationals manager Dusty Baker, to dub him one of the most "underrated" players in Major League Baseball.[75][76][77] Explaining his philosophy on baseball to The Washington Post during spring training in 2017, Rendon said, "Obviously, I want to win, but at the same time, at the end of the day, it’s a game and that’s what I’m going to treat it as."[77] He claimed in a 2014 interview with the Post that he prefers watching the History Channel to baseball, calling the games "too long and boring".[78]

Rendon and his wife Amanda have four children together. On July 26, 2018, Rendon took leave from the Nationals for several days to attend to the birth of his first child.[79] They reside in Katy, Texas during the offseason, and in Newport Beach, California during the season.[80]

An avid basketball fan, Rendon follows the Houston Rockets, his hometown NBA team.[77] He has maintained close ties to the Houston area.[81] In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, Rendon and then-Nationals teammate Matt Albers, a fellow Houstonian, set up a YouCaring fundraiser page to raise money for donations to the Houston Food Bank.[82][83]

Rendon is a born-again Christian.[84] In a 2018 interview, he said, "At the end, I want to be more ‘Christian’ than ‘baseball player.’"[85]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Anthony Rendon

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Anthony Rendon is an American professional baseball third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB).[1] Born on June 6, 1990, in Houston, Texas, Rendon attended Rice University, where he became a three-time All-American and won the Dick Howser Trophy as the national player of the year in 2010 after leading the Owls to the College World Series.[1][2] The Washington Nationals selected him sixth overall in the 2011 MLB Draft, and he made his major league debut on April 21, 2013.[1] Rendon's tenure with the Nationals spanned seven seasons, during which he established himself as one of the league's top infielders, highlighted by his breakout 2014 campaign where he led the National League in runs scored (111) and won his first Silver Slugger Award.[3][4] In 2019, he had a career year, batting .319 with 44 doubles, 24 home runs, and 126 RBIs, earning his first All-Star selection, a second Silver Slugger Award, and All-MLB First Team honors while playing a pivotal role in the Nationals' World Series victory over the Houston Astros, batting .276 with two home runs and eight RBIs in the series.[1][5] Following the 2019 championship, Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Angels in December 2019, the largest deal in franchise history at the time.[6] However, injuries have significantly limited his playing time since joining the Angels; he has not exceeded 58 games in any season from 2020 to 2024 and missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing hip surgery in February, though he was activated from the 60-day injured list in November.[1][7] As of late 2025, Rendon enters the final year of his contract in 2026, with career totals including 1,218 hits, 158 home runs, and 34.2 Wins Above Replacement over 1,173 games.[3][7]

Early Life and Amateur Career

Family Background and Childhood

Anthony Rendon was born on June 6, 1990, in Houston, Texas, to parents Rene and Bridget Rendon.[1] His father, Rene, was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and introduced Rendon to baseball at a young age; by age three, Rendon was mimicking the sport by swinging a stick at rocks and pebbles after watching games on television with his father.[8] The family, of Mexican-American heritage, lived in the working-class Mission Bend neighborhood on Houston's southwest side.[9][10] Rendon grew up in a close-knit household with his older brother, David, who shared his interest in sports.[11] His parents, with Rene working as a pool player and Bridget as a document control manager, instilled values of education and humility, requiring Rendon and his brother to complete schoolwork before playing outside.[12][10] Bridget later expressed particular pride in her son's humility, a trait shaped by these family principles.[13] Rendon's early exposure to baseball came through local Little League play with the YMCA Post Oak Giants, where he began developing his skills in a casual, community setting.[14] These experiences, combined with his family's emphasis on hard work and personal growth over early fame, fostered a strong work ethic without immediate professional ambitions, setting the stage for his later organized youth involvement.[12]

High School and Youth Baseball

Rendon began his high school career at George Bush High School before transferring to Lamar High School in Houston, Texas, where he graduated in 2008.[1] He lettered in baseball and basketball during his time at the school, showcasing early athletic versatility while focusing primarily on baseball as a shortstop.[1] Rendon quickly emerged as a standout shortstop prospect, drawing attention for his polished hitting and defensive skills. As a junior, he batted .425 with 14 home runs, earning All-Greater Houston honors from the Houston Chronicle.[15] In his senior year, he elevated his performance further, hitting .570 with eight home runs and 56 RBIs, which led to first-team 5A all-state recognition as a shortstop and another All-Greater Houston selection by the Houston Chronicle.[1] These accomplishments helped solidify his reputation as one of Texas's top high school talents, where he was ranked the 30th-best prospect in the state by Baseball America.[16] To enhance his development, Rendon played summer and travel baseball for the Houston Heat organization, competing at high-level showcases that exposed him to professional scouts.[17] His performances resulted in heavy scouting from MLB teams, culminating in his selection by the Atlanta Braves in the 27th round of the 2008 MLB Draft on his 18th birthday.[18] Despite the professional opportunity, Rendon opted to attend Rice University, citing his desire to remain close to home and pursue a college degree.[18]

College Career at Rice University

Rendon enrolled at Rice University in 2009, where he played college baseball for the Rice Owls under legendary head coach Wayne Graham and majored in sociology.[2][19][20] As a freshman in 2009, Rendon burst onto the scene with a .388 batting average, 20 home runs—a Rice freshman record—and 72 RBIs, earning him the National Freshman of the Year award from Baseball America.[21][22] He also became the first player in Conference USA history to win both Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors in the same season, while leading the conference in batting average and slugging percentage.[23] His performance helped propel Rice to the College World Series, though an ankle injury sidelined him early in the super regional against LSU. In his sophomore year of 2010, Rendon elevated his game further, posting a .394 batting average, 26 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 83 runs scored, leading the NCAA in several offensive categories.[24] These stats earned him the Dick Howser Trophy as the national player of the year—the first underclassman to win it in over a decade—and Conference USA Player of the Year for the second straight season.[25] He was also a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist and helped lead Rice back to the College World Series.[26] However, a severe trimalleolar ankle fracture suffered during the summer with Team USA required surgery and raised concerns about his durability heading into his junior year.[27] Despite the lingering effects of his ankle injury and additional shoulder issues that limited him to designated hitter duties for much of the season, Rendon delivered a strong junior campaign in 2011, batting .345 with 11 home runs and 44 RBIs in 50 games.[28] He finished as a Golden Spikes Award finalist and earned All-American honors for the third consecutive year.[29] Over his three seasons at Rice, Rendon compiled a .371 batting average and 52 home runs, ranking third all-time in school history for homers at the time of his departure, along with three-time All-American honors.[30][31] Despite injury concerns, he opted to forgo his senior year and enter the 2011 MLB Draft, where the Washington Nationals selected him sixth overall.[31]

Professional Career

Minor Leagues and MLB Debut

Rendon was selected by the Washington Nationals with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft out of Rice University. His standout college performance, including multiple All-American honors, positioned him as one of the top prospects available. He signed a four-year major league contract worth $7.2 million, including a $6 million signing bonus.[32] Rendon made his professional debut late in the 2011 season with the Class-A Hagerstown Suns, where he hit .367 in 29 games with 1 home run and 21 RBIs before earning a promotion to High-A Potomac Nationals, batting .310 in 39 games with 4 home runs and 36 RBIs. Across 68 total games at both levels, he batted .329 with 5 home runs and 57 RBIs, demonstrating strong contact skills despite recurring ankle soreness that limited his early summer play. The ankle issues persisted into spring training but did not prevent his rapid ascent through the system.[33] In 2012, Rendon split time primarily between Double-A Harrisburg Senators (21 games, .162, 3 home runs) and lower levels including High-A Potomac, with brief stints in A- Auburn and rookie Gulf Coast League, posting a .233 batting average over 43 games with 6 home runs overall. However, a stress fracture in his right ankle, diagnosed in May, sidelined him for much of the season after just two weeks at Harrisburg, where he initially hit .302. He returned briefly in August but struggled.[34][33] Rendon began the 2013 season at Double-A Harrisburg, where he batted .319 with 6 home runs in 33 games while refining his defense at third base. He was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse for 3 games (.182, 0 home runs) before receiving his first major league call-up. On April 21, 2013, he made his MLB debut that day against the Miami Marlins, going 0-for-4 as a pinch hitter.[3] In his partial rookie season, Rendon played 58 games for the Nationals, batting .265 with 4 home runs and 18 RBIs, while transitioning primarily to third base to accommodate the team's infield needs.[3] He finished the year with 1.0 WAR, marking a solid introduction to big-league play.[3]

Washington Nationals Tenure

Rendon established himself as a cornerstone of the Washington Nationals' infield following his MLB debut in 2013, transitioning to a full-time role at third base in 2014. That year marked his breakout season, where he batted .287 with 21 home runs and 83 RBIs over 153 games, while leading the National League with 39 doubles.[3] His performance earned him his first All-Star selection and the National League Silver Slugger Award at third base.[4] Defensively, Rendon contributed significantly, posting a 6.5 WAR that highlighted his value as a well-rounded player.[3] In 2015, injuries hampered Rendon's progress, as he missed significant time due to an oblique strain sustained during a minor league rehab assignment for an earlier MCL sprain in his left knee.[35] Limited to 80 games, he still managed a .264 batting average with 5 home runs, demonstrating resilience with a 3.8 WAR despite the setbacks.[3] Rendon rebounded strongly in 2016, slashing .270/.348/.450 with 13 home runs and 71 RBIs across 156 games, while excelling defensively to become a Gold Glove finalist at third base.[3][36] His 3.5 WAR underscored a return to form, blending consistent contact hitting with improved power.[3] Rendon's 2017 campaign represented a career pinnacle, as he hit .279 with 25 home runs and 100 RBIs in 147 games, helping the Nationals capture the National League East division title.[3][37] He achieved a career-high 6.1 WAR, ranking among the league's top performers at the hot corner.[3] Building on that momentum, 2018 saw Rendon elevate his game further, posting a .308 batting average with 24 home runs and 92 RBIs in 136 games, earning an All-Star reserve nod.[3] His defensive prowess remained elite, with a +10 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at third base, contributing to a 5.2 WAR.[38] Over his full seasons with the Nationals from 2014 to 2018, Rendon maintained a .283 batting average and hit 87 home runs, solidifying his status as a franchise cornerstone alongside outfielder Bryce Harper.[39] His steady growth transformed him into one of the National League's premier third basemen, blending offensive reliability with Gold Glove-caliber defense.[3]

2019 World Series Championship

In 2019, Anthony Rendon delivered a career-best regular season performance for the Washington Nationals, batting .319 with 44 doubles, 34 home runs, and 126 RBIs over 146 games, while posting a 7.0 WAR that ranked fourth in the National League.[40][3] His on-base percentage of .412 and slugging percentage of .598 highlighted his plate discipline and power, earning him his first All-Star selection as the starting third baseman and a third-place finish in National League MVP voting.[40][41] Rendon's postseason prowess propelled the Nationals through an improbable playoff run, where he batted .328 (20-for-61) with three home runs and 15 RBIs across 17 games.[1] In the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he hit .412 with a 1.219 OPS in five games, including a pivotal eighth-inning solo home run in Game 5 that tied the score at 3-3 and sparked a comeback victory to advance to the NLCS.[42] Against the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS, Rendon contributed to a four-game sweep by batting .417 (5-for-12) with four walks, providing steady production from the leadoff spot in the lineup during key wins.[43] In the World Series versus the Houston Astros, Rendon slashed .276/.344/.586 with two home runs and eight RBIs over seven games, helping the Nationals secure their first championship in franchise history with a 4-3 series victory.[44] His most critical moment came in Game 7, where his seventh-inning solo home run tied the game at 2-2, setting the stage for Howie Kendrick's go-ahead two-run homer later in the frame; Rendon also made a diving attempt on a sharp grounder in the eighth, underscoring his defensive reliability at third base.[45] Following the triumph, Rendon celebrated modestly alongside his family, who had supported him throughout the playoffs, reflecting his longstanding emphasis on personal priorities over public fanfare.[46]

Los Angeles Angels Signing and Early Years

Following his pivotal role in the Washington Nationals' 2019 World Series championship, which served as key leverage in negotiations, Rendon declined a multi-year extension offer from the team reported at around $210-215 million over seven years and entered free agency as one of the top available position players.[47] On December 11, 2019, he agreed to a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, marking the largest deal ever for a third baseman at the time and including a full no-trade clause with no opt-out provisions or deferred payments.[6][48] The agreement positioned Rendon as a cornerstone of the Angels' lineup alongside Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, with expectations that his consistent production would elevate the team's competitiveness in the American League West. Rendon's Angels tenure began in the 2020 season, shortened to 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He appeared in 52 games, batting .257 with 5 home runs and posting 0.7 WAR, finishing 10th in AL MVP voting despite missing time early with an oblique strain.[3][41] In 2021, injuries derailed his progress; a right hip labrum tear and impingement necessitated season-ending surgery in August, restricting him to 58 games primarily as a designated hitter where he hit .240 with 6 home runs and 34 RBIs.[49][3] The procedure addressed ongoing discomfort that had lingered from prior wear, limiting his defensive versatility at third base.[1] The 2022 campaign brought further challenges, as Rendon managed hip flare-ups stemming from his previous surgery, appearing in 47 games with a .229 average, 2 home runs, 22 RBIs, and 0.5 WAR. These setbacks culminated in season-ending right wrist surgery in June for ECU tendon subluxation after time on the injured list for wrist inflammation, underscoring a pattern of physical fragility that hampered his availability.[3][50] By 2023, Rendon started with a .236 average but suffered a left shin fracture—initially diagnosed as a bone bruise—on July 4 after fouling a pitch off his leg, ending his season after 43 games with 2 home runs and 23 RBIs.[51][52] The injury drew public criticism for perceived low effort and lack of urgency in his play, prompting Rendon to address reporters in September and reveal the fracture diagnosis to counter speculation about his commitment.[53][54]

Injury-Plagued Seasons with Angels

Rendon's 2024 season with the Los Angeles Angels was marked by persistent injuries that severely limited his availability and productivity. He began the year hitless in his first five games before legging out an infield single for his first hit on April 6, ending a 278-day drought since his last hit in 2023.[55] Shortly after, on April 20, he strained his left hamstring on the game's opening play, leading to a placement on the 10-day injured list that was later transferred to the 60-day IL, causing him to miss 68 games. He returned in July but suffered lower back inflammation on July 30, resulting in another 10-day IL stint. Later, on August 6, an oblique strain sidelined him once more, marking his third IL placement of the season and ending his year prematurely. Overall, Rendon appeared in just 57 games, batting .218 with 0 home runs and 14 RBIs.[1][3] The injury woes continued into 2025, culminating in Rendon missing the entire season following left hip surgery on February 12. The procedure came after a setback during offseason rehabilitation efforts, with Angels general manager Perry Minasian announcing that Rendon would be out for a "significant amount of time" and describing the recovery as long-term. Placed on the 60-day injured list, he was activated on November 5, 2025, though his expected return is in 2026.[56][57][7][1] These setbacks exacerbated ongoing hip issues that originated with a season-ending right hip impingement surgery in August 2021, shortly after his early years with the Angels. Since joining the team in 2020, Rendon has averaged approximately 43 games per season across six years, playing in 257 of a possible 870 games and missing over 600 contests due to various injuries.[58][3] In response, the Angels have repeatedly utilized the 60-day injured list for Rendon, including multiple times in 2024 and for the entirety of 2025, to manage his recoveries. His seven-year, $245 million contract, now in its later stages, has been ranked as the sixth-worst in recent MLB history by Bleacher Report, reflecting its burdensome nature given the limited on-field contributions.[1][59]

Playing Style and Achievements

Batting and Defensive Skills

Anthony Rendon is a right-handed batter renowned for his elite contact skills and tendency to pull the ball effectively, allowing him to generate consistent line drives and extra-base hits. Throughout his career, he has maintained a .280 batting average, bolstered by a low strikeout rate of 15.5% and solid plate discipline with a 10.9% walk rate, enabling him to work counts and put the ball in play frequently.[3][38] His approach has produced 295 career doubles, highlighting his ability to exploit gaps with precise bat control rather than relying solely on raw power.[3] Following the 2019 season, Rendon adjusted his swing to incorporate more power, increasing his pull rate on hard-hit balls from 32.6% in 2015 to higher levels in subsequent years, though this shift coincided with a career average exit velocity of 90.1 mph.[60] He has operated as a ground-ball hitter, posting a 35.7% ground-ball rate, which complements his contact-oriented style by producing infield singles and doubles on well-struck balls.[61][62] Defensively, Rendon has been a plus third baseman, distinguished by quick reflexes, smooth hands, and a strong throwing arm that aids in turning double plays and making long throws across the diamond. His career Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at third base stands at +37, reflecting above-average range and instincts that have made him a reliable infield anchor.[3] He has occasionally shifted to second base during his early career, showcasing adaptability in the infield.[63] Rendon's positional versatility extends to shortstop in his minor league days and designated hitter roles in later years, contributing to his overall value as a player. His career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) totals 34.2, with a peak of 6.8 in 2019, underscoring the combined impact of his offensive and defensive contributions.[3]

Major Awards and Honors

During his college career at Rice University, Anthony Rendon earned three All-American honors, receiving second-team recognition from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association in 2009 and first-team selections from Baseball America and other outlets in 2010 and 2011.[64][65] In 2010, he was awarded the Dick Howser Trophy as the national college player of the year, recognizing his outstanding performance that included a .388 batting average, 20 home runs, and 82 RBIs while leading Rice to the College World Series.[25] These accolades highlighted his versatility as a third baseman with elite contact hitting and power, setting the stage for his professional success.[65] In Major League Baseball, Rendon secured two Silver Slugger Awards at third base, first in 2014 with the Washington Nationals after batting .287 with 20 home runs and 83 RBIs, and again in 2019 following a career-high .319 average, 24 home runs, and 126 RBIs.[66][67] He was selected as a reserve for the 2019 National League All-Star Game, his only such honor, where he ranked among NL third basemen leaders in on-base percentage (.412) and slugging (.598). That year, Rendon also earned All-MLB First Team honors as one of the league's top performers at his position.[68] He was named the 2016 National League Comeback Player of the Year.[69] Rendon contributed to the Washington Nationals' 2019 World Series championship, batting .328 with 10 extra-base hits across the postseason.[3] He finished third in National League Most Valuable Player voting, receiving one first-place vote amid a breakout season that elevated his profile league-wide.[40] Defensively, while he never won a Gold Glove, Rendon was a finalist for the award at third base four consecutive years from 2016 to 2019, praised for his range and arm strength.[70] As of 2025, despite injury challenges that limited him to fewer than 60 games per season since 2020 and caused him to miss the entire year following hip surgery, Rendon's 2019 legacy persists, including his inclusion on D1 Baseball's All-Quarter Century Team ballot recognizing top college players from 2000-2025.[71][30] His seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, once heralded as a major free-agent coup, has been widely critiqued as one of MLB's least productive high-value deals due to his health issues.[71]

Personal Life

Family and Marriage

Anthony Rendon married his college sweetheart, Amanda Rodriguez, on November 25, 2017, at the Corinthian venue in Houston, Texas. The couple, both alumni of Rice University, began their relationship during their time on campus.[11][1] Rendon and Amanda have four children: daughters Emma, born on July 25, 2018, and Savannah, born in February 2020, along with twins Levi and Dakota, born in 2022.[11][72][73] The family relocated to Southern California following Rendon's signing with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2019, seeking a more low-key environment away from the intensity of downtown Los Angeles to better suit their young children.[74] Rendon frequently emphasizes his family as his top priority, often citing his wife and children as the reason for opting out of non-essential commitments to focus on home life.[75] Amanda plays an active role in supporting charitable causes, co-founding the Husky Owl Foundation with her husband to aid youth programs and recently contributing to initiatives like Gracewood's family support efforts.[11][76] Despite the demands of travel, the family makes an effort to attend Rendon's games when schedules allow.[77] Their shared faith serves as a foundational element in their family dynamics.[11]

Faith and Public Persona

Anthony Rendon is a devout Christian who has frequently credited his faith for guiding his baseball career and personal life. Growing up in Houston, Texas, he initially viewed faith through a performance-based lens but shifted his perspective during his time at Rice University, where he joined a Bible study group with teammates that deepened his spiritual commitment. Rendon has emphasized that he aspires to be known more as a "Christian baseball player" than for his on-field achievements, stating in interviews that his relationship with Christ provides him strength regardless of success or setbacks.[78][79][80] In February 2024, Rendon sparked controversy during spring training when he publicly stated that baseball has "never been a top priority" for him, placing family and faith ahead of the sport, which he described as merely a job. The comments, made amid ongoing injuries and limited play, drew backlash from fans and former players who criticized his apparent lack of passion for a game that has brought him substantial wealth and fame. Rendon later clarified that his remarks were meant to highlight a broader perspective on life's priorities, underscoring how his faith informs his approach to balance rather than diminishing his professional effort.[81][82][83] Rendon's philanthropy reflects his commitment to giving back quietly, particularly to youth baseball initiatives in his hometown of Houston. He has made significant donations to the Bo Porter Future All-Stars Academy, including $300,000 announced in 2023 to support underprivileged children's access to the sport, and previously contributed $150,000 in 2018 to similar programs aiding Little League teams after natural disasters. These efforts align with his low-key approach, focusing on community impact without seeking public recognition.[84][85][86] Known for his humility, Rendon consistently shies away from the spotlight, a trait evident in his post-2019 World Series demeanor where he deflected personal praise to celebrate the team's collective achievement. His public persona emphasizes modesty and team-first values, rooted in his faith, even as injuries have limited his play.[13][87][78]

References

  1. Anthony Rendon Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  2. Anthony Rendon - Baseball - Rice University Athletics
  3. Anthony Rendon Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
  4. Desmond, Rendon win Silver Slugger Awards - MLB.com
  5. Silver Slugger | History - MLB.com
  6. Angels Anthony Rendon deal - MLB.com
  7. Angels GM Provides Unfortunate Health Update on Anthony Rendon
  8. Anthony Rendon, the Nationals' super-quiet superstar, finds a ...
  9. Anthony Rendon - Ethnicity of Celebs | EthniCelebs.com
  10. Nationals infielder Rendon makes everything look easy
  11. Anthony Rendon & Wife Amanda Put Family & Faith Above Baseball
  12. A cultural connection with Anthony Rendon - La Vida Baseball
  13. He Won the World Series? Anthony Rendon Is Still Nonchalant
  14. Washington Nationals star Anthony Rendon reflects on HS days
  15. Lamar baseball duo produce offense, friendship - Houston - Chron
  16. Recapping the Braves 2008 Draft: Day 2, Part 2 | Battery Power
  17. Houston Heat Organization - Perfect Game Baseball Association
  18. Anthony Rendon was first drafted by Braves - MLB.com
  19. Rice's Anthony Rendon named National Freshman of the Year
  20. 100 Notable Alumni of Rice University [Sorted List] - EduRank
  21. Rendon Named Baseball America's National Freshman of the Year
  22. Rice's Rendon best in preseason C-USA baseball - Chron
  23. Rice's Rendon makes C-USA history with awards - Chron
  24. Rendon Wins 2010 Howser Trophy As College Baseball's Player of ...
  25. RICE'S RENDON WINS 2010 DICK HOWSER TROPHY
  26. Anthony Rendon - 2010 Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist
  27. Surgery Complete on Anthony Rendon - Rice University Athletics
  28. Rice star handles his injuries as draft nears
  29. Mr. Rendon Goes To Washington! - Rice University Athletics
  30. Rendon on D1 Baseball's All-Quarter Century Ballot
  31. Anthony Rendon selected sixth overall by Washington Nationals in ...
  32. Anthony Rendon Stats & Scouting Report - Baseball America
  33. Nationals Sign Anthony Rendon - MLB Trade Rumors
  34. Anthony Rendon College, Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics
  35. Washington Nationals' 2011 1st Round Pick Anthony Rendon ...
  36. Rendon's rehab interrupted by oblique injury - MLB.com
  37. Nationals' 3B Anthony Rendon an NL Gold Glove finalist at third
  38. 2017 Washington Nationals Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com
  39. Anthony Rendon - Stats - Batting | FanGraphs Baseball
  40. Anthony Rendon Stats With Washington - StatMuse
  41. Anthony Rendon third in NL MVP voting - MLB.com
  42. Anthony Rendon Career Stats - MLB - ESPN
  43. Anthony Rendon, Juan Soto homer off Clayton Kershaw - MLB.com
  44. 2019 NLCS - Washington Nationals over St. Louis Cardinals (4-0)
  45. Nationals win 2019 World Series - MLB.com
  46. Anthony Rendon homers in World Series Game 7 - MLB.com
  47. After World Series breakthrough, a reunion makes sense for ...
  48. If the Nationals want to keep Anthony Rendon, it's really going to ...
  49. Sources: Anthony Rendon agrees to 7-year, $245M deal with Angels
  50. Angels' Anthony Rendon to undergo season-ending hip surgery
  51. Angels' Anthony Rendon to undergo season-ending wrist surgery
  52. Anthony Rendon reveals he has fractured tibia injury - MLB.com
  53. Angels 3B Anthony Rendon won't play again in 2023 - ESPN
  54. Blum: Anthony Rendon breaks silence, but his comments leave ...
  55. Angels never announced Anthony Rendon had a tibia fracture
  56. Anthony Rendon records first hit of 2024: How MLB and Angels ...
  57. Anthony Rendon to undergo left hip surgery - MLB.com
  58. Angels' Anthony Rendon to have hip surgery, miss extended time
  59. Anthony Rendon set for season-ending surgery - MLB.com
  60. Ranking Anthony Rendon's Angels Deal Among Worst Contracts in ...
  61. Anthony Rendon's Sneaky Overhaul - FanGraphs Baseball
  62. Anthony Rendon Stats: Statcast, Visuals & Advanced Metrics
  63. Anthony Rendon is hitting the ball hard into the ground
  64. How to build a 5-tool Superman? Next up: Fielding - MLB.com
  65. Rendon Named Second Team All-America By National Collegiate ...
  66. 2010 College Player Of The Year: Anthony Rendon
  67. Ian Desmond & Anthony Rendon earn NL Silver Slugger honors
  68. Anthony Rendon wins Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award - Blog
  69. 2019 All-MLB Team
  70. These are the finalists for Gold Glove Awards - MLB.com
  71. Angels' Anthony Rendon Hit With Stray in MLB Insider's Post on ...
  72. Anthony Rendon navigating quick ramp-up to season - MLB.com
  73. Page 161 - 2025 Los Angeles Angels Media Guide
  74. Rendon: 'Hollywood lifestyle' didn't seem to fit - MLB.com
  75. Anthony Rendon: Baseball has 'never been a top priority for me'
  76. Gracewood - Houston - Facebook
  77. Anthony Rendon copes with fan altercation, injury-marred seasons
  78. Angels' Anthony Rendon: 'God will use me' regardless of on-field ...
  79. Nationals' Rendon more 'Christian' than 'baseball player'
  80. Nationals' Anthony Rendon wants to be 'more Christian than ...
  81. Anthony Rendon talks relationship with baseball, 2024 goals
  82. Angels' Anthony Rendon says baseball isn't top priority, discusses ...
  83. Anthony Rendon says baseball is a job, not a 'top priority' as Angels ...
  84. Anthony Rendon Named Washington Nationals Nominee For The ...
  85. Lisa Paulk, CPA's Post - LinkedIn
  86. Major Leaguers Provide Funds From Players Trust to Help Houston ...
  87. Anthony Rendon's World Series homecoming - MLB.com
User Avatar
No comments yet.