### Anthony Rendon's $245 Million Contract Restructured: A Disappointing Chapter Closes for the Angels The Los Angeles Angels have officially restructured Anthony Rendon's contract, marking the end of a tumultuous and underwhelming tenure for the third baseman. Originally signed to a seven-year, $245 million deal in 2019, Rendon's time with the Angels has been marred by injuries and disappointing performance, leading to a significant restructuring of his remaining contract obligations. The Angels will defer the $38 million owed to Rendon for the 2026 season over the next three to five years, allowing the team to free up cash for potential free-agent signings while parting ways with a player who failed to meet expectations during his time in Anaheim [https://www.local10.com/sports/2025/12/30/angels-third-baseman-anthony-rendon-agrees-to-restructure-final-year-of-his-245-million-contract]. ### Breakdown of the Contract Restructuring and Its Implications 1. **Contract Details**: - Rendon's original contract was a seven-year deal worth $245 million, signed after a successful stint with the Washington Nationals [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/anthony-rendon-buyout-angels-contract]. - The restructuring involves deferring the $38 million owed for the final year, allowing the Angels to manage their payroll more effectively [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/angels-rendon-agree-restructure-contract-195356420.html]. 2. **Performance Issues**: - Rendon played only 257 games out of a possible 1,032 during his contract, largely due to injuries [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_finally_get_rid_of_anthony_rendon/s1_127_43266419]. - His performance statistics included a batting average of .242 with 22 home runs and 125 RBIs, which fell short of expectations for a player of his caliber [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/anthony_rendon_restructure_will_finally_end_los_angeles_245m_mistake/s1_13237_43266192]. 3. **Fan Reactions**: - Fans have expressed mixed feelings about the buyout, with some labeling it a "highway robbery" and others noting that the buyout was executed "Dodgers style," indicating a sense of relief that the team is moving on from a costly mistake [https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-highway-robbery-buyout-done-dodgers-style-fans-react-angels-revamp-anthony-rendon-s-245m-contract]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contract Timeline**: - Signed: 2019 - Total Value: $245 million - Games Played: 257 out of 1,032 - Deferred Amount: $38 million for 2026 [https://nypost.com/2025/12/30/sports/anthony-rendons-angels-stint-is-over-after-245m-disaster]. - **Performance Metrics**: - Batting Average: .242 - Home Runs: 22 - RBIs: 125 [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_finally_get_rid_of_anthony_rendon/s1_127_43266419]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Angels In summary, the restructuring of Anthony Rendon's contract signifies a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles Angels as they look to move forward from a disappointing chapter in their history. The decision to defer the remaining $38 million allows the team to reallocate resources towards new talent while officially closing the door on a player whose performance did not align with the expectations set by his lucrative contract. 1. **Contract Restructuring**: The Angels and Rendon have agreed to defer the final year's salary, ending his tenure. 2. **Performance Shortcomings**: Rendon's injuries and lackluster performance led to this decision. 3. **Fan Sentiment**: Mixed reactions highlight the disappointment surrounding his time with the team. This restructuring not only alleviates immediate financial burdens but also opens the door for the Angels to pursue new opportunities in the upcoming seasons [https://www.si.com/mlb/anthony-rendon-angels-2026-restructured-contract].