When the Washington Nationals won the World Series in shocking fashion over the Houston Astros back in 2019, nobody was even thinking about the future in that moment. The only thing that mattered was that a franchise that had never experienced success at such heights had finally done the unthinkable.
In the moments that soon followed, as the team celebrated and righty Stephen Strasburg took home World Series MVP honors, was the debate in the back of everyone's mind about the impending free agency of two of their homegrown superstars. Strasburg was one, but the other big free agent, Anthony Rendon, was coming off easily the best season of his career, and the team had a huge choice to make.
Unfortunately, that fork in the road for the Nationals would have led the club to a dead end either way, as both Strasburg and Rendon would see their bodies betray them in the years following that magical season. Strasburg re-signed with the Nationals, as the club was not willing to let their former #1 pick and World Series MVP wear any other uniform, but the contract would age poorly as he was forced into an early retirement back in 2024.
On the other hand, Rendon experienced one more great season, which was the first one of his deal with the Los Angeles Angels during the COVID-shortened 2020 season in which it looked like his contract was going to age like fine wine. Unfortunately, almost the complete opposite happened, as the Angels would watch Rendon play just 205 more games from 2021-2024, and his performance continued to suffer as his body continued to break down.
Combine his body failing him with the fact that baseball wasn't exactly everything he wanted to focus on in his life, it made a recipe for disaster for his Angels tenure. After being rumored to be looking to settle with the club for a buyout, both sides seemingly are on the verge of officially parting ways as of the last few days of 2025, and Rendon will not be part of the club in the new year.
While not officially retiring yet, Rendon and the Angels "have agreed to a restructured version of his contract that will defer the $38MM he is still owed for the next three to five seasons,reports Sam Blum of The Athletic. Rendon will not return to the team. His tenure with the Angels is over." according to Steve Adams of MLBTradeRumors. It is a sad ending for Rendon, and as was suggested on X, perhaps he can sign a 1-day contract to officially retire as a Washington National.
His lasting legacy and image as a baseball player might be for his contributions, or lack thereof, with the Angels, but to me and to Nationals fans everywhere, he will always be remembered as Tony 2 Bags, who was about as steady of a presence at third base and in the lineup that you could ever ask for. Most importantly, he will be remembered as a World Series Champion.
What will be your lasting memory of Anthony Rendon? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.