Following an unexpectedly busy offseason, the Los Angeles Angels appear to have made real progress in 2025. The signing of Yusei Kikuchi has brought much-needed stability to their starting rotation, and Jo Adell is finally enjoying the breakout season fans have long anticipated. With a 49-51 record as of July 22, the idea of the Angels becoming buyers at the trade deadline isn’t far-fetched—though one costly issue complicates things.
The Angels are just four games back from a playoff spot, and with the American League wild card race being more forgiving than the National League’s this year, there’s a legitimate opportunity. Their primary needs—outfield help and bullpen depth—are areas where they have the prospect capital to make moves.
However, team owner Arte Moreno appears focused on limiting spending in 2025. Compounding that is the continued financial burden of Anthony Rendon’s contract, widely regarded as one of the worst in MLB history, as he remains sidelined once again.
Anthony Rendon’s contract is an albatross around the Angels’ neck at the trade deadline
Rendon’s contract isn’t the only reason for the Angels’ payroll constraints. Reports suggest the team is operating at a financial loss, and owner Arte Moreno has never been the type to absorb losses in pursuit of wins or long-term growth. On top of that, Mike Trout is making over $37 million this year. While his performance has improved recently, his recurring injury troubles have caused ongoing headaches for the club.
Still, Rendon’s $38.5 million salary this year and next—despite not playing—casts the biggest shadow. Ownership appears to view Rendon as a sunk cost, and the idea of adding significant payroll for rental players seems unlikely, especially if those players are expected to leave in free agency. It’s hard to justify spending big when one of your priciest stars may never take the field again—something most owners, not just Moreno, would hesitate to do.
Of course, Moreno bears full responsibility for signing Rendon to that deal in the first place, so sympathy is in short supply. The Angels’ most realistic trade deadline approach may be a hybrid—moving pending free agents with limited value while keeping their core intact and making minor upgrades. Until Rendon’s contract is off the books, that might be the ceiling for what fans can expect.
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