Washington Nationals must extend Rendon before Machado’s free agency
Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon recently implied a possible willingness to talk about an extension with his current team. Although nothing appears imminent, the Nationals must act quickly.
Two of the best third basemen in baseball play in the Maryland area. Between the two, it seems Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado gets most of the attention. However, last year Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon put together the better season. By doing so, he has made it a lot more urgent for the Nationals to extend him.
As anyone with a pulse and interest in baseball knows, Machado’s contract with the Orioles expires after the 2018 season. He has been the subject of many trade rumors this winter with no deal appearing close.
Whether he stays with the Orioles or not doesn’t affect Rendon’s future. Machado will get paid by someone either way and force the Nationals to increase Rendon’s paycheck in the process.
Rendon has everything Machado does. Power is the only department Machado reigns supreme with a few bonus points on defense as well.
In all other areas, Rendon has put together the better career. He can draw walks at a better rate, thus increasing his career OPS. The pair shares a career 116 OPS+, which represents equal footing.
Regarding WAR, Machado is slightly better. Since he does have a 130 game advantage and six MLB seasons compared Rendon’s five, it’s not surprising to see Machado lead.
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Machado’s contract total will far outweigh what Rendon eventually earns. That’s because Machado will do so before his age 26 season. It’s reasonable for a team to give him a deal to keep him in town for a full decade.
Rendon won’t have the same advantage. He’ll need to convince general managers to sign him prior to playing at the much more common age of 30.
Still, at the rate Rendon is playing, the average annual income for these two should match closely.
A good measure for Rendon is the contract Justin Turner received from the Los Angeles Dodgers last winter. With only one true full season under his belt, Turner was able to sign a four-year deal worth $64 million. This averages out to $16 million per season. I expect Rendon to earn more than this when his time to cash in arrives.
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Rendon is a special breed of player who can do a little bit of everything. If 2017 was any indication of what he will do over the next two seasons in Washington, this young man is looking at a vast payday based on the market Machado sets. Before that number gets out of reach, it’s best the Washington Nationals lock up Rendon for good.