The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have done many things wrong in recent years.

But on paper, there was nothing to suggest that Anthony Rendon signing a big free agent contract before the 2020 season would be one of them.

Rendon was coming off a 7.3 Wins Above Replacement season with the Washington Nationals in 2019, his best ever. He had hit a career-high 44 doubles, 34 homers and driven in 126 runs.

And since, Rendon’s contract with the Angels has gone down as one of the worst in MLB history.

MORE: LeBron passes Michael in a stat that means nothing in the GOAT debate

He signed for seven years and $245 million.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported that the Angels and Rendon may buy out the final year of his contract. He’s owed $38 million in 2026.

Gonzalez added that Rendon is expected to retire.

He actually was good in his first season with the Angels, the COVID-shortened 2020. In 52 games, Rendon hit .286 with a .915 OPS.

His OPS declined four years in a row after that, though, and injury troubles reduced Rendon’s impact at third base, where he used to be a great fielder.

Rendon didn’t play at all in 2025 as he recovered from hip surgery.

MORE: LeBron passes Michael in a stat that means nothing in the GOAT debate

In total, he accumulated 3.9 WAR with the Angels, with 2.2 of that coming in 2020. That works out to about $62.8 million per win.

The Angels likely weren’t expecting much of a contribution from Rendon in 2026, so from that perspective, a buyout is probably no problem.

And it’s a sad ending for Rendon, who was once such a gifted ballplayer.

But it was the kind of conclusion that was coming for a while. Rendon simply wasn’t the player he once was.

More news: