LA Angels' 3B Anthony Rendon Could be Primed for Resurgent 2023

Hoping to return to the postseason for the first time since 2014, a bounce-back season from third baseman Anthony Rendon could be just what the Los Angeles Angels need in order to compete in the American League West in 2023. Rendon, 32, signed a seven-year, $235 million contract with the Angels in 2019, after playing his first seven MLB seasons for the Washington Nationals.

The Los Angeles Angels are a team in search of a return to the postseason.

Since losing to the New York Yankees in the 2009 American League Championship Series, the Angels have made just one postseason trip over the last 13 seasons, and are currently tied for the longest active postseason drought with the Detroit Tigers. The Angels have not sniffed the playoffs since 2014, and haven't posted a winning season since 2015.

In his first full season as manager, Phil Nevin has his sights set on the postseason. Friday, he told reporters that he he couldn't help but dream of seeing Shohei Ohtani close out a postseason game for the Angels, after seeing Ohtani collect a save in the World Baseball Classic championship game earlier this week.

In order for the Angels to return to playoffs, they will need to remain healthy, and they will need to see more production out of their lineup. Last season, the Angels scored the sixth-fewest runs in all of baseball. One player that could significantly alter the ceiling for the Angels' 2023 season is third baseman Anthony Rendon.

Just three years ago, Rendon was a hotly-pursued free agent, coming off a World Series championship, a Silver Slugger Award, and a third-place finish in National League MVP voting. In December 2019, the Angels made him their $245 million contract, signing the third baseman to a seven-year deal.

Rendon played 52 out of 60 games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, slashing .286/.418/.915 with nine home runs and 31 RBI. In his first two full seasons, however, Rendon struggled to stay on the field, as a hip injury limited him to 58 games in 2021, and a wrist injury allowed him to play just 47 games in 2022.

Albeit a small sample size, Rendon had a strong showing at spring training this year, slashing .452/.514/1.288 OPS with two home runs and eight RBI in 13 games. Rendon's 1.288 OPS was the highest among Angels players that received a minimum of ten at bats this spring.

For 13 games in Arizona, Rendon looked the way he did in Washington. If he is able to stay on the field, Rendon, 32, could enjoy a bounce-back 2023 season. A resurgent season from Rendon could significantly alter the makeup of the Angels' lineup and certainly increase the offensive output of the club.

Check out our full American League West Preview on the Jack Vita Show!

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