Los Angeles Angels star Anthony Rendon explained how baseball is just a “job” to him and is not a top priority in his life despite earning one of the highest salaries in MLB

Los Angeles Angels star infielder Anthony Rendon has different priorities in his life than baseball. The 33-year-old former World Series champion revealed the sport has never been one of his greatest passions and that it has become less of a priority to him over time.

As the Angels go about their Spring Training routine in Tempe, Arizona, Rendon shared just exactly where baseball fell on his list of important aspects of his life. He’s been criticized throughout his tenure with the organization over the perception that he hasn’t produced his end of the bargain on his massive contract.

Rendon reiterated how baseball is somewhat important to him, but it is always at the forefront of his mind. “Oh, it’s a priority for sure,” Rendon continued. “Because it’s my job. I’m here, aren’t I?”

Rendon’s words alarmed many Angels fans, considering he is in the middle of a seven-year, $245 million contract. When Los Angeles signed him shortly after he helped the Washington Nationals win the 2019 World Series, the expectation was for him to be a daily contributor on a team that featured Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.

In his final year with the Nationals, Rendon hit 34 home runs with 126 RBI and 44 doubles, the latter two figures leading the National League. He slashed .319/,412/.598 in 146 games and was named an All-Star for his contributions in his swan song campaign with Washington.

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Outside of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, which saw him play 52 out of a possible 60 games in his first season with the Angels, Rendon has played a total of 148 out of a possible 486 games for Los Angeles. That means Rendon has played in about 30 percent of his team’s games – or about 50 games per season out of 162, due to injury.

For context, in the last three seasons, Rendon earned $101.5 million in base salary. That equates to almost $686,000 per game and he is slated to earn $38 million in each of the next three seasons, until 2026.

That said, the Angels star third baseman has infamously been known to be short with reporters, and it’s sometimes been difficult to ascertain his true beliefs from interviews.

His signature style was on display speaking to reporters when asked if he “wanted” to be in Arizona with the Angels. “I don’t want to talk to you guys at 7 in the morning, or whatever time it is,” Rendon replied.

When asked if he wanted to keep playing baseball for the Angels, Rendon immediately shut the question down. “I have answered your question. So why do you keep picking at it?” he said.

Regardless, this is the situation the Angels find themselves in as Ohtani has moved on to the Los Angeles Dodgers in hopes of winning a World Series. Meanwhile, the Angels had to determine what the best course of action is with a player who seemingly does not fully prioritize the job that is set to pay him over $114 million in the next three years.