Anthony Rendon, the Los Angeles Angels’ third baseman, is set to undergo hip surgery, with expectations that he will be sidelined for an extended period. The announcement was made by Angels general manager Perry Minasian on Wednesday.
Anthony Rendon: Injury-plagued 2024 season
The 34-year-old veteran had a difficult 2024 season, playing in just 57 games. Rendon struggled at the plate, hitting only .218 with no home runs and 14 RBIs. His season was further marred by a series of injuries, including issues with his hamstring, back, and oblique, which led him to be placed on the injured list three separate times.
Anthony Rendon: a career hampered by injuries
Rendon’s tenure with the Angels has been plagued by injuries since he signed a lucrative seven-year, $245 million contract in 2019, after leaving the Washington Nationals. His career trajectory has been hindered by constant setbacks, as he has failed to play more than 58 games in a season since 2020. Over the span of five seasons with the Angels, he has appeared in just 257 games.
Controversial remarks add to frustration
Beyond his ongoing injury woes, Rendon’s relationship with fans has been strained. In a controversial statement last year, he remarked that baseball had "never been a top priority for me." This comment further fueled the frustration of Angels supporters, who had already seen their star third baseman struggle with consistency on the field.
Yoán Moncada steps in at third base
In light of Rendon’s extended absence, the Angels have moved quickly to fill the void at third base. Yoán Moncada, who signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the team last week, will take over the position. Moncada, 29, joins the Angels after spending eight seasons with the Chicago White Sox.
The infielder had a limited 2024 campaign, appearing in just 12 games due to a strained adductor that kept him sidelined for much of the season.
The Angels will now look to Moncada to help stabilize the third base position while they await Rendon’s return from surgery.