Angels’ Mike Trout sets the record straight on Anthony Rendon’s negative image

Anthony Rendon drew plenty of attention back in February when he made comments about how his baseball career “has never been a top priority.” This caused plenty of backlash among fans and analysts alike, who blasted the infielder about making such as statement while he’s inked to a large contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Add in the fan incident during LA’s opener last year and you arguably have Rendon as baseball’s top villain right now.

Mike Trout might just change everyone’s perception of his teammate, however. Appearing in an interview, the three-time AL MVP spoke about Rendon’s “new attitude” this 2024.

“Yeah Tony’s been unbelievable this year,” Trout said, per Foul Territory. “You know, veteran presence this year in the clubhouse, World Series champion. He’s dealt with the injury bug as well. I was in his shoes, I know how it is. Being hurt, not being able to play for your team, it sucks. It’s not fun but he’s got a new attitude this year. You know the at-bats he puts up, I’m right behind him every game, I hit behind him and his at-bats he puts up on a nightly basis, it’s unbelievable. Consistency, working counts, even when he doesn’t feel good, he’s still working counts and putting good swings on balls”

The injury bug that Trout was referring to has been seen throughout Rendon’s stint with the Angels. So far, Rendon has played less than 60 games in each of his seasons with LA. Of course, the pandemic-shortened 2020 doesn’t count. But in the years that followed, health concerns have constantly surrounded the 33-year-old.

The Angels need a fully healthy Anthony Rendon