UPDATE (2:38 p.m.): Angels owner Arte Moreno reportedly "loves" Anthony Rendon.
Angels owner Arte Moreno has told folks he loves Anthony Rendon. They haven’t been linked much to AR but word is in they are in.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2019
ORIGINAL (12:17 p.m.): The Nationals aren’t expected to re-sign third baseman Anthony Rendon after they locked Stephen Strasburg into a seven-year, $245 million deal Monday, but their competition just got stiffer with the news that the Angels are interested in the two-time Silver Slugger.
#LAAngels are another team that’s expressed interest in Anthony Rendon. So there’s Dodger-Angel battle on 2 fronts: Rendon and Cole (obvs other teams involved as well)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2019
The Angels’ main target appears to be Gerrit Cole but they could turn to Rendon if they’re outbid by a team like the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers. Rendon has also been connected to the Dodgers, Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies and is reportedly interested in signing a seven-year deal.
Nationals President Mike Rizzo said at a press conference Monday that “there’s ways to fit players in” when speaking about Rendon. His comments refuted an earlier statement made by principal owner Mark Lerner to NBC Sports Washington, to whom he said the Nationals “can really only afford to have one” of Strasburg or Rendon.
It’d be a surprising move if the Nationals did bring Rendon back, but everything remains possible at this point.
MORE NATIONALS NEWS:
- Bryant to DC: 3 trade scenarios
- Donaldson's ask: Believed to be four years
- Davey's Confidence: Martinez trust's front office