MLB Players Power Rankings (5): Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals
2019 Stats: 0.598 SLG | 0.413 wOBA | 154 wRC+ | 7.0 fWAR
In some circles, after Christian Yelich went down for the season with an injury to his knee cap, many started making the case for Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon for NL MVP. Had the season started in the 2nd half, those on team Rendon wouldn’t be wrong.
Beginning in the second half of the season, Anthony Rendon took the National League by storm. Not only did he play more games (71) than his competitors — Yelich (48 G) and Cody Bellinger (68 G) — but he also has a higher fWAR (3.7) than they do (Yelich: 2.7 and Bellinger: 2.4).
Seeing that they have one of baseball’s unique talents in their hands, it was reported this week that the Washington Nationals offered Rendon a 7-year, $210M deal. Perhaps believing that he can be better, Rendon turned the deal down, opting instead to test free agency after the postseason.
With the Nats defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card Game, Rendon will have a chance to continue to put his talents on display. It’s a bold risk, leaving $30M AAV on the table. However, it’s one that could pay off big time, especially if the Nats walk away with a World Series title.