"Unbelievable!" A "disaster-level" player who received 326.7 billion won and missed a staggering 877 games? He played only 25% of his contract term before finally saying "goodbye"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The seven-year ordeal between the Los Angeles Angels and infielder Anthony Rendon (36), which was once considered one of the worst contracts in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, has finally reached its official conclusion.

Sports statistics outlet CodifyBaseball recently reported on social media that "the 7th-year, $245 million (approximately 326.7 billion won) contract between the Angels and Rendon has finally ended," adding that "during this period, Rendon appeared in 257 games but missed a staggering 877 games."

The figures are shocking. U.S. sports outlet Essentially Sports also highlighted this on the 19th (Korean time). According to the report, the number of games Rendon played as an Angel accounted for just 24.9% of the total schedule. He suited up and stepped onto the field for only one-quarter of his contract term, while spending more than 75% of that time on the injured list (IL) or otherwise sidelined. Converted to a per-game salary, he effectively pocketed approximately $950,330 (approximately 12.7 billion won) for each game played.

Rendon signed an astronomical free agent contract with the Angels in December of that year, worth 7 years and $245 million in total, immediately after leading the Washington Nationals to a World Series championship in the 2019 season. However, since joining the Angels, he has suffered from various injuries every season, including hamstring, hip, and wrist issues. He has never played more than 58 games in a single season over four or more seasons, and his career record with the Angels stands at a .242 batting average, 22 home runs, and 125 RBIs, failing to live up to his reputation at all.

What fueled fan anger even more than his poor performance was his lack of commitment. During spring training for the 2024 season, Rendon told AP News and other outlets that "baseball has never been my top priority. It is just a job to make a living," adding that "faith and family come before my career, and if problems arise, I will leave at any time." These remarks drew fierce criticism from local fans.

Although the contract term has ended, the Angels' financial outlay is not yet over. This is because the team's front office previously agreed to defer 38 million dollars (approximately 50.7 billion won) of his remaining salary. The Angels must pay Rendon in installments of $7.6 million (approximately 10.1 billion won) annually until 2030. It is a bitter reality where he does not play, yet a large salary continues to flow into his account.

However, the team has gained some financial breathing room. By ending Rendon's contract, the Angels have reduced their cash payroll burden by approximately $80 million for the 2026 season. They will enter the next season with the lowest payroll level since 2013 ($137.27 million). According to Spotrac, a U.S. media outlet that primarily covers sports salaries, the Angels' projected cash payroll is approximately $110 million, and their luxury tax payroll has dropped significantly to around $142 million.

Currently, the team's major contracts are with outfielder Mike Trout (approximately $35.5 million) and left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (approximately $21 million). Even factoring in the projected salaries of arbitration-eligible players such as starting shortstop Jack Neto and left-hander Reid Detmers, the Angels have secured approximately $105 million in headroom below the luxury tax threshold ($247 million).

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original