Oft-injured Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon admitted that baseball doesn’t rank atop his list of priorities, which many not come as news to baseball fans in Anaheim.

‘This is a job,’ The $38million-a-year infielder told reporters at the team’s spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona. ‘I do this to make a living. My faith, my family come first before this job.

‘I’m married,’ he said earlier in the interview. ‘I have four kids. My priorities have changed since I was in my early 20s. So definitely my perspective on baseball has been more skewed.’

The exchange with reporters appeared to become contentious, in part, because of the early hour when the interview took place. 

When asked if he wants to be in Tempe, Rendon told assembled media: ‘I don’t want to talk to you guys at 7 in the morning, or whatever time it is.’

The Angels' Anthony Rendon admitted that baseball doesn't rank atop his list of priorities

The Angels’ Anthony Rendon admitted that baseball doesn’t rank atop his list of priorities

Fan reaction to Anthony Rendon's statement was predictable, to say the least

Fan reaction to Anthony Rendon’s statement was predictable, to say the least 

Rendon was then asked bluntly if he wants to continue to play for the Angels, but became upset about the question.

‘I have answered your question,’ he said. ‘So why do keep picking at it?’

Fans’ reactions were predictable, to say the least.

‘Know your audience,’ wrote one. ‘He needs to go.’

‘I am sure the fans love hearing that,’ another added.

Rendon has played in roughly 30 percent of the Angels’ ballgames over the last three years, while failing to lift his batting average above .240.

That marked a stark contrast from his time in Washington, for whom he hit .290 with a solid .369 on-base percentage and impressive .490 slugging percentage over seven seasons.

After the Nationals won the 2019 World Series, Rendon cashed in on his All-Star season by signing a seven-year, $245 million deal with the Angels.

Rendon has played in roughly 30 percent of the Angels' ballgames over the last three years

Rendon has played in roughly 30 percent of the Angels’ ballgames over the last three years

He was supposed to be supporting contributor on a team that already boasted MVPs Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the latter of whom left for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the offseason.

Rendon earned $16 million while sitting 80 games with shin problems last season, according to Spotrac.com.

His low point came in April of 2023, when he got into a confrontation with an Oakland Athletics fan.

In a video that has since gone viral, the 33-year-old native Texan is seen grabbing the fan’s shirt before swinging and missing as the Angels walked into the clubhouse following a 2-1 loss to the A’s.

‘What did you say?’ Rendon asked while grabbing the front-row fan by his shirt. ‘You called me a b****, huh?’

The man is heard denying Rendon’s accusation, but the Angels star wasn’t hearing it.

‘Yeah you did, yeah you did, mother*****’ Rendon said before taking an open-handed swipe at the A’s fan, who told the third baseman to ‘calm down.’

Mike Trout told reporters that he doesn't want to be traded in the aftermath of Ohtani's exit

Mike Trout told reporters that he doesn’t want to be traded in the aftermath of Ohtani’s exit

Rendon ultimately was dealt a five-game suspension.

Angels fans did get some good news on Monday as Trout told reporters that he doesn’t want to be traded in the aftermath of Ohtani’s departure.

‘I think the easy way out is to ask for a trade,’ Trout said, as quoted by The Athletic. ‘There might be a time, maybe. I really haven’t thought about this. When I signed that contract, I’m loyal. I want to win a championship here. The overall picture of winning a championship or getting to the playoffs here is the bigger satisfaction than bailing out or taking the easy way out. I think that’s been my mindset. Maybe down the road, if some things change.’

Trout says he has has pushed owner Arte Moreno for free-agent additions.

‘I’m going to keep pushing as long as I can,’ Trout said. ‘Until the season starts or until those guys sign. It’s just in my nature.’

[ad_2]
Post source: Daily mail

You May Also Like

Kane to Join England Despite Ankle Twist

Harry Kane, the England captain and Bayern Munich’s star striker, made history…

Ratcliffe confident in Southgate for Man United emerges as the first choice for England boss

The speculation surrounding Gareth Southgate’s potential appointment as Manchester United’s next manager…

Manuel Akanji withdraws from Switzerland squad due to injury, returning to Man City

Manuel Akanji, a Swiss international and a key player for Manchester City,…

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Thibaut Courtois Has Ruptured His Internal Meniscus of The Right Knee

Thibaut Courtois Has Ruptured His Internal Meniscus of The Right Knee –…