“Doesn’t give a sh*t,” Ex-MLB player Jonathan Papelbon RIPS Anthony Rendon for comments on baseball, calls him ‘cancer to the team’

Jonathan Papelbon calls out Angels for signing a $245 million contract with the team; calls him “a cancer to the team.”

Anthony Rendon and Jonathan Papelbon [Image Credit: Imago/The Athletic]

Ex-MLB player Jonathan Papelbon recently blasted Los Angeles Angels baseman Anthony Rendon for his comments on baseball in an interview. His comments ruffled up a lot of players and fans alike, as the 6x All-Star took to the ‘Foul Territory’ podcast to rip the baseball player.

Papelbon not only called out Rendon but also the Angles for signing him a 7-year $245 million contract, calling it “the worst deal in history.” In the interview, Rendon boldly stated that baseball is not his priority compared to family and faith. He even said “I’m leaving” if there comes a moment where he has to choose between career and family.

Jonathan Papelbon visibly upset about Anthony Rendon’s comments further revealed how the third baseman felt like practicing “was like a chore.” The World Series champion went on to label him “a cancer to the team!” He noted that it was Rendon’s raw athleticism and talent that allowed him on the diamond but his priority list may be one of the reasons for him not being as highly successful as he should be.

...he just doesn’t give a sh*t…It drives me absolutely nuts…if this is what you believe, just keep your mouth shut…To me that’s just a cancer in the clubhouse.

Jonathan Papelbon as per Outkick.

Jonathan Papelbon blasts Angels for signing Anthony Rendon

Prior to the 2020 season, the LA Angels penned Anthony Rendon to a 7-year $245 million contract, but according to his ex-teammate Jonathan Papelbon, it was a mistake. He said that when Rendon went into free agency he thought that any team that would sign the 33-year-old “is going to get totally bamboozled”.
Anthony Rendon and Jonathan Papelbon [Image Credit: Imago/BVM Dports]
Papelbon labeled the signing “the worst deal in history” and now labels it as a “cancer” to the team. He said that Rendon has proven his point as he participated in only 52 games in the shortened 2020 season for 60 games. Furthermore, his injuries withheld him for half of the season, making him unable to play.

Although in the interview, Rendon mentioned how he’s excited for the upcoming 2024 season and he’s feeling prepared for it, his motivation is not his top priority as to his family. For Rendon baseball “is a job” he has to do for a living. He’s even stated that he would leave baseball for his family and faith.

He said that his priority for the game changed after getting married and becoming the father of four kids. Since joining the team, he has played 200 games with 23 home runs with a hitting mark of .249. Fans and players will be keeping an eye on his game in the 2024 season, after ruffling up the feathers of the baseball community.