Yankees could benefit in big way after Angels, Anthony Rendon agree to buyout

Sometimes an unexpected opportunity presents itself. The Los Angeles Angels have finally brought an end to the Anthony Rendon Saga, agreeing to a restructured contract that will allow them to move on from the game's worst contract. This could open the door for the New York Yankees to move off a bad contract of their own.

Over the last several years, the Angels have gotten nothing out of Rendon in the rare instances he was able to take the field, and even less when he held a roster spot hostage. With 2026 being the last year of his deal, they've been on the hunt for a third baseman, being linked to both last year's starter, Yoan Moncada, as well as Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto.

With that said, neither are perfect fits or what they need. Moncada is often injured and managed just 84 games last season, (and just 73 contests per campaign over the past four years).

Okamoto is projected to be a better defensive fit at first base, which matters for the Angels, who had the worst defensive showing in the league by outs above average, coming in at -54. Additionally, Okamoto is a right-handed bat, and their only threat for the left side is first baseman Nolan Schanuel.

That could mean Ryan McMahon may tickle their fancy. An imperfect player himself, his two years and $32 million remaining would be cheaper than Okamoto's. His defense is worlds better than either Moncada or Okamoto, and his lefty bat would add balance to a lineup that definitely needs some. For the Yankees, saving $16 million a year opens up a world of possibilities.

Yankees could make a big splash if they can convince the Angels to trade for Ryan McMahon

Restructuring Rendon's contract doesn't mean the Angels are free and clear of the $38 million they owe him for 2026. Instead, like a mini version of Bobby Bonilla with the Mets, they'll spread that hit out over the next three to five seasons. That will impact how much they truly have to spend, and while McMahon isn't cheap, he's not a bank breaker either.

For the Yankees, ridding themselves of McMahon opens doors. The most obvious use of the influx of cash would be to throw it at Cody Bellinger and ensure he doesn't leave for greener pastures.

However, pursuing that path would leave a gaping hole at third base. Again. Without McMahon gumming up the works, however, the Yankees could target a different player whose offensive profile checks a lot of the same boxes as Bellinger's, but would solve the third base conundrum while adding true right-handed balance to the lineup. That player would be Alex Bregman, and as an added bonus, it would hurt the Boston Red Sox at the same time.

Lastly, the Yankees could use those extra funds to win Tatsuya Imai over with his deadline looming. New York has long been considered a favorite for his services, though recent reports from Jack Curry contradict that. Perhaps some unexpected wiggle room in the budget could change things, but only if they could consummate a trade with the Angels before the January 2 deadline.

If this were to come to fruition and the Yankees chose a non-Bregman option to receive their extra funds, they'd need a new third baseman. Moncada could be worth a look despite the injury concerns, thanks to his .783 OPS last season and ability to switch hit. Other potential alternatives include more of a utility-type player in Willi Castro, or if they are willing to stretch themselves a bit, a big-time right-handed power threat in Eugenio Suarez.

This isn't to say a deal between the Yankees and Angels for McMahon is likely, or that there are any rumors to support it. However, from a baseball sense, it would work for both sides, and, for the Yankees, the opportunity to put forth a more well-rounded club would be more plentiful without McMahon in the fold.