Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon will undergo hip surgery, an operation that will sideline him for a long period, general manager Perry Minasian told reporters on Wednesday. Rendon, 34, is entering his sixth season as a member of the Angels, appearing in 257 games while compiling a .242/.348/.369 slash line. Rendon won’t be the only notable Angels player beginning the season on the injured list. Shortstop Zach Neto will miss the start of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
NEWS: Anthony Rendon is having hip surgery and will miss a significant amount of time, Angels GM Perry Minasian announced.
Rendon had a setback in his rehab the last few weeks, per @samblum3.bsky.social.
— The Athletic (@theathletic.bsky.social) February 12, 2025 at 12:36 PM
With Rendon out, the Angels will turn to infielder Yoán Moncada, who signed a one-year, $5 million contract over the weekend. Moncada, 29, has dealt with injuries himself, however, not appearing in more than 100 games in a season since 2022. Moncada has batted .236/.291/.387 over the last three years.
Yoán Moncada Next Man Up as Angels’ Third Baseman
Moncada broke out in 2019 for the Chicago White Sox but batted .236/.291/.387 over the last three years. Last year, for a White Sox team that lost a record 121 games, Moncada played in 12, sitting out five months due to an adductor strain. He returned in late September, taking one at-bat, then sat out for the rest of the season. He will look to rebound after a disappointing end to his White Sox tenure.
Moncada gives the Angels a seasoned option at third base. Defensively, he came up as a second baseman but moved to the hot corner in 2019. He’s been serviceable ever since, compiling 11 Outs Above Average over the past seasons, although his OAA total is minus-1 since the beginning of 2023.
Now, he represents one of the key additions in an Angels offseason headlined by the trade for outfielder Jorge Soler and the signing of left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. If he can tap into his former potential and become a reliable contributor at the plate, he could help stabilize the Angels’ offense while Rendon recovers. However, the team’s success will rely on his ability to stay on the field and shake off the injuries that have plagued him in recent years.
What to Expect From Moncada in 2025
The pressure will be on Moncada to show he can stay healthy and consistent. If he does, his combination of power and defensive versatility could be a major asset for the Angels. The Angels’ pitching staff, bolstered by the addition of Kikuchi, will benefit from a steady presence at third base, and the offense will look for Moncada to provide some much-needed balance as they navigate through Rendon’s absence.
According to FanGraphs’ 2025 projections, Moncada is expected to bat .245/.316/.384 with 11 home runs, 48 RBI and a 98 wRC+. Moncada is expected to play 122 games, with 480 at-bats, resulting in a .245 batting average, .316 on-base percentage, and .384 slugging percentage. He is projected to hit 11 home runs, drive in 48 RBIs, and achieve an 89 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus), indicating below-average offensive production.
Overall, while Moncada’s offensive projections are modest, his defensive skills and potential for improvement could make him a valuable asset for the Angels this season.
Main Photo: © Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
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