Angels Sign Anthony Rendon For 7 Years, $245 Million

For the first time in years, big ticket signings are coming fast and furious at the Winter Meetings.  Pending a physical and final paperwork, the Angels have agreed to sign third baseman Anthony Rendon to a seven-year deal worth a reported $245 million. The dollar and AAV amounts match the deal signed by Stephen Strasburg only two days ago.

The Rendon signing also brings a Kris Bryant trade potentially closer, as the only remaining free agent third baseman of any real impact is Josh Donaldson. Once Donaldson signs, the trade market for Bryant should be wide open. Well, pending the resolution of a service-time grievance that should go in favor of the Cubs. Not sure how I feel about that.

On a macro level, the red-hot free agent market is showing little indication of slowing down. Six of the top 10 free agents have now signed for an average of $26.6 million above predicted totals (and $2 million extra in AAV).