Ranking the worst contracts in the American League West: A couple Mariners problems

But they're not the worst of the worst!

Los Angeles Angels v Washington Nationals
Los Angeles Angels v Washington Nationals | Jess Rapfogel/GettyImages
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Bonus LA Angels: Anthony Rendon

Far and away the worst contract in this division (and possibly in the game of baseball) is the one that Los Angeles handed out to Anthony Rendon in the 2019-2020 offseason.

The Angels gave him a seven-year deal worth $245 million ($35 AAV). It was a confusing move for a team coming off of just a 72-win season, finishing fourth in the division. The pitching staff was terrible, but the Angels opted to bring in Rendon to partner with Trout and Ohtani.

The first year after signing his massive deal, Rendon looked like himself, slashing .286/.418/.497 while trailing only Trout in extra-base hits. After that season is when everything fell apart. Since the 2020 season, Rendon has yet to eclipse 60 games played, and even when he's been able to play he hasn't been particularly good. From 2021-2024, Rendon has played in just 205 of the 648 games (31%). In those 205 games, he has slashed .231/.329/.336 with just 13 home runs and an 89 wRC+.

The Angels are one of the most confusing franchises and have made some very questionable decisions. They have a long line of contracts that have failed. Guys like Josh Hamilton, CJ Wilson, Zack Cozart, and even the legendary Albert Pujols have proven to be massive sunk costs and disappointments. It's looking like Anthony Rendon is putting himself squarely in that conversation. In fact, he might be the worst of them all.

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