Anthony Rendon signed one of the largest contracts in MLB history when the Los Angeles Angels locked him up on December 14, 2019. The seven-year deal kept him in Anaheim through 2026 — though in December 2025, both sides agreed to restructure the final year. It’s a deal that reshaped how big-money negotiations get done in the majors, and it remains one of the most talked-about in the sport.
Contract at a Glance
- Team: Los Angeles Angels
- Signed: December 14, 2019
- Length: 7 years
- Seasons covered: 2020–2026
- Total guaranteed value: $245 million
- Average annual value: $35 million
- 2026 salary: $38.6 million
- No-trade clause: Yes
How the Deal Is Structured
The Angels committed $245 million in fully guaranteed money over seven seasons, with an average annual value of $35 million — placing it among the richest contracts ever handed to a position player. The 2026 salary was set at $38.6 million, but in December 2025 that figure was restructured: instead of one lump payment, those funds will be deferred across five annual installments of $7.6 million each, paid out from 2026 through 2030. Rendon will not play for the Angels in 2026.
The structure reflected the confidence Los Angeles had in Rendon’s two-way game at his peak. The restructuring, however, reflects how differently things played out compared to what both sides envisioned back in 2019.
The Fine Print
Rendon’s contract includes a full no-trade clause, giving him veto power over any deal involving him. The contract is 100% guaranteed — he collects every dollar regardless of performance or availability. The December 2025 restructuring simply spread out the final $38.6 million into five payments, giving both sides a cleaner way to close out the agreement.
Where Rendon Ranks Among the Highest-Paid Players
- #23 — Largest contracts in MLB history (total guaranteed value)
- #20 — Among position player contracts
- #15 — Highest average annual value among contracts active in 2026
- #5 — Highest single-season salary in 2026 (pre-restructuring)
- #21 — Most career earnings in MLB history
Rankings based on total guaranteed value, not accounting for deferred money. Data from Spotrac and Baseball-Reference as of August 11, 2026.
Before the Angels
Before arriving in Anaheim, Rendon spent seven seasons with the Washington Nationals (2013–2019), building his reputation as one of the best third basemen in the game. His Washington contracts were negotiated through MLB’s arbitration process; the exact figures were never made public. The Angels deal in December 2019 was his leap into elite-contract territory.
Career Earnings
Through 2026, Rendon has collected $240 million in MLB salary — a figure that includes base salary, signing bonuses, and earned bonuses, but excludes endorsements or any earnings outside the United States. That total places him at #21 on the all-time MLB earnings list.
Why This Contract Became So Controversial
The numbers tell the story: Rendon appeared in just 205 of a possible 648 games with the Angels between 2020 and 2024, posting a .231/.329/.336 slash line. His last home run came on July 1, 2023, and his best season in Anaheim amounted to just 58 games played. With $245 million guaranteed and production that never materialized, Rendon’s contract became the go-to example whenever MLB’s biggest deals are debated.
