Former World Series Champion Jonathan Papelbon recent interview on the Foul Territory podcast provided some fascinating insights about the upcoming MLB season. The six-time All-Star shared his views on the Boston Red Sox, the American League MVP race, a potential Mike Trout trade and Bobby Witt Jr.’s contract but saved his best for Los Angeles Angels’ infielder Anthony Rendon.
Rendon’s recent tone-deaf statement about how baseball has “never been a top priority” irked a large section of baseball fans. “This is a job. I do this to make a living,” added Rendon.
Papelbon played alongside Rendon during the 2015 and 2016 season with the Washington Nationals and opened up on his former teammates character and approach to the game.
“If I’m the Angels GM, I’m trying to get rid of this dude as fast as I can,” said Papelbon. “Every single day this guy shows up to go out, it was like a chore…At the end of the day, he just doesn’t give a s**t.”
The Angels have committed to numerous lamentable contracts over the last few years but investing $245 million in Rendon has to be one of the franchise’s biggest regrets. The 33-year-old is contracted to the club through the 2026 season with the club still owing him a hefty chuck over the coming years.
Since joining the club 2020, Rendon has struggled with injury and has appeared in just 200 games. He has recorded 22 home runs, 111 RBIs and 4 stolen bases and has failed to make an All-Star Game since his move out west.
Jonathan Papelbon spoke about a potential buyout that would allow both sides to go their separate ways stating that Rendon’s comments could become a “cancer” in the clubhouse.
The sportsbooks have the Angels’ over/under set at 71.5 for the 2024 season which Papelbom feels is extremely generous. With Rendon set to return, Papelbom is downbeat on the Angels’ odds and believes the organization will only win between 65-69 games this year.
