It’s time the Washington Nationals reward third baseman Anthony Rendon with a contract extension offer. If they do, will he accept it?
The Washington Nationals did right by their third baseman this offseason. Following a career-year, Anthony Rendon received a big raise. He went from making a tad under $6 million in 2017 to a whopping $12.3 million in 2018. As a player still in his arbitration years, this is some notable goodwill from the Nationals. They could have easily gotten away with paying their star third baseman a whole lot less.
The Nationals haven’t been cheap with paying their players. Bryce Harper is also making a boatload of money this year, possibly as a gesture to convince him to stay. They also didn’t shy away from spending big to land Max Scherzer when he was a free agent. When they saw Stephen Strasburg could leave, they locked him up long-term.
Rendon won’t reach free agency until after the 2019 season. By that point, the Nationals will look a lot different. Assuming Harper leaves and Daniel Murphy does too after this season, the middle of their order will have many new faces. Hopefully, Victor Robles is a young rising star, and Trea Turner has lived up to his potential. With any luck, Rendon is right there with them.
What kind of contract does Rendon deserve?
Players seem to earn more and more each year. That is until this most recent offseason. Many free agents settled for less than they probably deserved. I don’t think this is a complete anomaly. Next winter, even with many records getting set, there will be a slew of players panicking over how much less they will get.
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There is a difference between free agents and those who stick with their team. Jose Altuve received a massive extension from the Houston Astros recently. Scott Kingery of the Philadelphia Phillies got paid some big bucks before logging a single MLB at-bat.
Rendon is going to get paid well regardless of where he plays in 2020. Based on the current market, the most prominent contract would likely come from Washington.
When Rendon becomes a free agent, he’ll do so ahead of his age 29 season. This doesn’t make him a spring chicken, but he’s also far younger than Josh Donaldson will be when he tries his luck next winter. Donaldson will help set a market for third basemen. Before he does, the Nationals need to extend an offer to Rendon in good faith.
Rendon has spent his whole professional baseball career with the Washington Nationals organization. Twice he has challenged for the MVP Award. Though he doesn’t get the same national attention as others at his position, there’s no arguing against the fact that Rendon is one of the best at his position in baseball.
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To show him, the fans, and the rest of the Nationals they appreciate his efforts, one event which must occur in 2018 is serious talks of an extension. Rendon shouldn’t necessarily accept any offer yet, but the Nationals extending an invitation to stick around would surely benefit.