Anthony Rendon’s hip surgery has kept him off the field as spring unfolds, leaving the Angels to navigate a crucial final season of his massive contract with little certainty about his 2026 viability. The organization is weighing whether to keep him through the 2025-ender and hope for a health return or clear a 40-man spot by letting him go, as the roster shifts push third base and center field to the forefront.

With Rendon sidelined, Los Angeles must replace significant production at third base—especially as Yoan Moncada and Luis Rengifo were the primary contributors at the position—and evaluate Bryce Teodosio as a potential center-field contributor. Free agency opens after the World Series, setting the stage for a cautious but decisive off-season to reshape the infield and outfield around an uncertain Rendon future.

Despite sweeping the Dodgers, the Angels remain in last place, raising questions about their consistency. The Angels' recent victory mirrors the Minnesota Twins' exceptional 13-game winning streak, suggesting potential for a turnaround. However, a look back shows the Athletics, often in a state of rebuilding, have managed to outpace the Angels with more postseason appearances in the last two decades. The Angels' focus on veteran players like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon has not yielded the desired results, leading to a bleak outlook as they struggle to attract top prospects.

Concerns over the Angels' aging roster and lack of homegrown talent highlight a stark contrast with the A's, who have successfully integrated young players. The Angels' strategy may need reevaluation as they continue to pay top dollar for injured players instead of investing in promising talent. With playoff chances dwindling, the team faces a critical juncture as they seek to rebuild while remaining competitive.

In 2025, Anthony Rendon still commands the highest salary among MLB third basemen at $38.6 million, despite a challenging tenure with the Los Angeles Angels. Plagued by injuries, he has played only 257 games since 2021. Following him are Nolan Arenado with $29.5 million and Alex Bregman at $25.9 million. The list includes notable names such as Matt Chapman and Austin Riley, reflecting the diverse talents in this position. While Rendon’s high contract hasn't justified his on-field contributions, he remains atop the salary rankings.

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada is recovering from soreness, causing him to lag behind other position players in spring training. Moncada aims to revitalize his career after a disappointing 2024 season, where he played just 12 games due to injury with the Chicago White Sox. With Anthony Rendon sidelined for the entire 2025 season, Moncada is expected to fill the void at third base, providing a more reliable presence for the Angels. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal emphasizes the significant opportunity for Moncada in Anaheim, noting the team's inability to rely on Rendon’s health. By the end of the 2025 season, Rendon will have participated in less than 30 percent of games for the Angels. Moncada's performance in 2019, where he posted a .315 batting average and hit 25 home runs, gives hope for a comeback.

Angels manager Ron Washington expressed optimism about the team's potential for success in 2025, but he also highlighted the importance of evaluating the roster during spring training. With new veteran additions to the team, Washington is focused on assessing whether they have the right mix to contend. The Angels are looking to escape the bottom of the American League standings, and Moncada’s role will be pivotal in achieving this goal. As he works to overcome injuries and demonstrate his capabilities, Moncada has a crucial chance to establish himself as a dependable everyday player for the Angels.