Career Timeline of Anthony Rendon: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Anthony Rendon built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Anthony Rendon is a professional baseball third baseman currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels in MLB. Before joining the Angels, he played for the Washington Nationals. Rendon is known for his offensive skills and defensive capabilities at third base.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2009: Freshman of the Year

In 2009, as a freshman, Anthony Rendon was named Baseball America's Freshman of the Year and received multiple other awards and nominations for his performance with the Rice University Owls. He hit .388 with 20 home runs and 72 runs batted in, starting in all 61 of the Owls' games. In Rice's last game, in the Baton Rouge Super Regional, Rendon suffered an ankle injury that required surgery.

2010: College Player of the Year

In 2010, Anthony Rendon was named Baseball America's College Player of the Year and won the Dick Howser Trophy. He finished the season hitting .394 with 26 home runs and 85 runs batted in. Rendon also suffered another right ankle injury while playing for Team USA against South Korea.

2010: Dick Howser Trophy Winner

In 2010, Anthony Rendon won the Dick Howser Trophy while playing college baseball for the Rice University Owls.

2011: Drafted by Washington Nationals

In 2011, Anthony Rendon was selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Washington Nationals.

2012: Top Prospect

Following the 2012 season, Rendon was considered a top prospect in the Nationals organization and MLB.

June 4, 2013: Recalled to Nationals

On June 4, 2013, Anthony Rendon was recalled by the Washington Nationals.

2013: MLB Debut

In 2013, Anthony Rendon made his Major League Baseball debut with the Washington Nationals.

2013: Called Up and Optioned

In 2013, Anthony Rendon started the season with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators, was called up to the Washington Nationals on April 20, and then optioned back to the Harrisburg Senators on May 3.

2014: Playoff Prowess

During the 2014 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, Anthony Rendon hit .368, showcasing his abilities in the playoffs.

2014: Breakout Season

In 2014, Anthony Rendon had a breakout season, leading the National League in runs scored, finishing fifth in MVP voting, and winning a Silver Slugger Award.

2014: Silver Slugger Award

In 2014, Anthony Rendon won the Silver Slugger Award.

2014: Mimicking 2014 campaign

In 2016, Rendon's batting line closely mimicked his 2014 campaign, hitting .270/.348/.450 with 20 home runs and 85 RBIs. The 2014 season was also a good season for Rendon.

June 4, 2015: Returns to Major League Action

On June 4, 2015, Anthony Rendon returned to major league action after recovering from injuries, but was moved back to second base due to Yunel Escobar's presence at third base.

August 15, 2015: Spectacular Defensive Play

On August 15, 2015, Anthony Rendon made a spectacular barehanded grab and throw to first base against the San Francisco Giants, which was described as one of the greatest plays ever seen by Giants broadcasters.

2015: Injuries Impact Season

In 2015, Anthony Rendon played in just 80 regular-season games and his power was diminished due to an oblique injury, resulting in a .264/.344/.363 slash line and only five home runs.

September 6, 2016: First Career Grand Slam

On September 6, 2016, Anthony Rendon hit his first career grand slam off Williams Perez, securing a victory for the Nationals over the Atlanta Braves with a final score of 9–7.

2016: Return to Form

During the 2016 season, Anthony Rendon returned to form hitting .270/.348/.450 with 20 home runs and 85 RBIs, closely resembling his 2014 performance. He played exclusively at third base after Escobar was traded.

2016: NL Comeback Player of the Year

In 2016, Anthony Rendon was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year.

April 30, 2017: Record-Setting Performance

On April 30, 2017, Anthony Rendon had a record-setting performance, going six-for-six with three home runs and 10 RBI in a 23–5 victory over the New York Mets. He joined a select group of major leaguers with 10 or more RBI in one game and set a Nationals record.

July 17, 2017: Named National League Player of the Week

On July 17, 2017, Anthony Rendon was named the National League Player of the Week for the week abbreviated by the All-Star break, marking the first time he received this honor. Rendon hit .636 during the week with three home runs.

August 2017: Hurricane Harvey Fundraiser

In August 2017, following Hurricane Harvey, Anthony Rendon and teammate Matt Albers created a YouCaring fundraiser page to raise money for the Houston Food Bank.

2018: Statistical Performance in 2018

In 2018, Anthony Rendon batted .308 with 24 home runs and led the National League with 44 doubles.

September 2019: Contract Extension Offer

In September 2019, the Washington Nationals reportedly offered Anthony Rendon a seven-year contract extension worth $210-215 million.

December 11, 2019: Agrees to Contract with Los Angeles Angels

On December 11, 2019, Anthony Rendon agreed to a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

December 14, 2019: Introduction as an Angel

On December 14, 2019, Anthony Rendon was formally introduced as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

December 2019: Signs with Los Angeles Angels

In December 2019, Anthony Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

2019: Free Agency and Team Affordability

Following the 2019 World Series, both Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg entered free agency. Nationals owner Mark Lerner indicated that the team may not be able to afford both players.

2019: Statistical Achievements in 2019

In 2019, Anthony Rendon batted .319 with 34 home runs, led the NL with 44 doubles, and led the majors in RBIs (126).

2019: Key Role in World Series Win

In 2019, Anthony Rendon played a key role in the Washington Nationals' World Series victory, hitting for a 1.003 OPS in the postseason and driving in 8 runs in the World Series.

2019: All-Star Selection and Decision Not to Attend

In 2019, Anthony Rendon was selected to the MLB All-Star Game for the first time, but chose not to participate in order to recover from minor injuries.

2019: World Series Championship and All-Star Selection

In 2019, Anthony Rendon won the World Series with the Washington Nationals, was named to the NL All-Star Team, and led the National League in RBI.

July 28, 2020: Angels Debut

On July 28, 2020, Anthony Rendon made his debut with the Los Angeles Angels in the shortened 60-game season.

August 10, 2020: Ends Hitless Streak and 1000th Career Hit

On August 10, 2020, Anthony Rendon ended a hitless streak with a home run and recorded his 1000th MLB career hit.

2020: COVID-Shortened Season

In the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Anthony Rendon batted .286 with 9 home runs and 31 RBIs.

May 10, 2022: First Left-Handed Home Run

On May 10, 2022, Anthony Rendon hit his first left-handed home run against Brett Phillips of the Angels, marking his first time batting left-handed in a major league game.

2022: Bench-Clearing Brawl and Suspension

In 2022, Anthony Rendon was involved in a bench-clearing brawl between the Angels and Mariners. He received a five-game suspension for striking Jesse Winker. Rendon finished the 2022 season batting .229.

April 3, 2023: Physical Confrontation with Fan

On April 3, 2023, after the Angels' Opening Day game, Anthony Rendon was involved in a physical confrontation with an Athletics fan and was suspended for four games.