Nationals Treasure: The Looming Anthony Rendon Situation

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 20: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on June 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 20: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on June 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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Nationals Treasure: The Looming Anthony Rendon Situation
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Learn from the Mistakes of the Moose

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If Anthony Rendon wanted any sort of deterrent from free agency, just look at his fellow power-hitting corner infielder, Mike Moustakas.

Since 2017, when Moustakas fatefully tested free agency the first time, and was ultimately forced to come back to Kansas City, the Moose has out bashed Rendon in home runs by a noticeable margin (93 to 74), even though Rendon has been a better overall hitter (142 OPS+ to Moustakas’s 113), and Moustakas could barely land a contract.  It may seem like a far fetched comparison, but when you think about it, is Moustakas so much worse than Rendon, that you go from not being able to find work, to Nolan Arenado-esque deals?  The gap is there, but the market simply doesn’t match.

It would be wise for Rendon to avoid free agency, and also a prudent move for Washington to keep him.  Will they?

As the Nationals fight to stay relevant in a crowded National League playoff picture, this season is shaping up to be the difference-maker, in what many believe to be a franchise player.