"In the moments that soon followed, as the team celebrated and righty Stephen Strasburg took home World Series MVP honors, was the debate in the back of everyone's mind about the impending free agency of two of their homegrown superstars. Strasburg was one, but the other big free agent, Anthony Rendon, was coming off easily the best season of his career, and the team had a huge choice to make."
"Unfortunately, that fork in the road for the Nationals would have led the club to a dead end either way, as both Strasburg and Rendon would see their bodies betray them in the years following that magical season. Strasburg re-signed with the Nationals, as the club was not willing to let their former #1 pick and World Series MVP wear any other uniform, but the contract would age poorly as he was forced into an early retirement back in 2024."
"On the other hand, Rendon experienced one more great season, which was the first one of his deal with the Los Angeles Angels during the COVID-shortened 2020 season in which it looked like his contract was going to age like fine wine. Unfortunately, almost the complete opposite happened, as the Angels would watch Rendon play just 205 more games from 2021-2024, and his performance continued to suffer as his body continued to break down."
The Washington Nationals won the 2019 World Series, with Stephen Strasburg earning World Series MVP. The club faced impending free agency for Strasburg and Anthony Rendon after the title. Both players suffered significant injuries in subsequent years. Strasburg re-signed with the Nationals but the contract aged poorly as he retired early in 2024. Rendon signed with the Los Angeles Angels and produced one strong, COVID-shortened 2020 season. Rendon then played only 205 games from 2021–2024 as his performance declined and injuries mounted. Rendon and the Angels reportedly negotiated a buyout and were on the verge of parting ways as of late 2025.
Read at District on Deck
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