Washington Nationals: Say goodbye to Anthony Rendon
As the Washington Nationals retain Stephen Strasburg, Anthony Rendon’s time in the Nation’s Capital has come to an end.
On Monday, Stephen Strasburg signed a seven,-year, $245 million contract with the Washington Nationals. The deal is the most total ever for a pitcher, breaking David Price’s 2016 contract with the Boston Red Sox. The deal also breaks Zack Greinke’s 2016 deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the most AAV for a pitcher.
The record-setting contract has a lot more significance than making the 2019 World Series MVP a very rich man. This deal means that Anthony Rendon’s tenure with the Washington Nationals is over.
The immense financial commitment to Strasburg most likely eliminates the Nationals from contending for Rendon. Rendon’s return to D.C. was uncertain before Strasburg’s signing. So now, it is very unlikely that we see the third baseman in a Nationals’ uniform again.
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Heading into the 2019 offseason, Rendon was coming off of the best season of his career, making him the best free agent hitter on the market.
He helped bring a World Series title to Washington, finished third on the National League MVP ballot, was elected to his first All-Star game, won his second Silver Slugger and posted career highs in just about every category.
The 29-year-old is beyond a quality third baseman who brings above-average power and a feel for contact to the middle of an order.
According to multiple sources, Rendon has been talking with the Texas Rangers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies, and a few other teams. His contract is going to be jaw-dropping and he is going to be a difference maker for whichever team he signs with. It just will not be with the Washington Nationals.
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The third baseman could pursue a shorter-term deal for an incredibly high AAV. He is going to be a very wealthy man at the end of free agency.