Trump’s Executive Order Sends Anthony Rendon Back to Work for Angels

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a stunning turn of events that’s rocking the baseball world, President Donald Trump has issued a new executive order mandating Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon go back to work immediately, effectively pulling him off his planned remote stint from Cancun. The order comes on the heels of Trump’s recent directive requiring all federal government workers to abandon remote setups and return to office environments, signaling a broader push for in-person productivity across industries—including, apparently, Major League Baseball.

Rendon, who has been sidelined since breaking his hand in a bizarre welcome handshake with new Angels closer Kenley Jansen, had reportedly been eyeing a beachside recovery and remote training regimen in Cancun, leveraging modern tech to stay connected with the team. Sources close to the situation say Rendon believed his injury and the Angels’ flexible approach would allow him to manage his rehab and preparation from afar, sipping margaritas while Zooming into strategy sessions. But Trump’s latest decree—described as an extension of his federal workforce policy—has thrown a curveball at those plans, demanding Rendon suit up and report to the Angels’ training facility in Anaheim.

The executive order, which FAX Sports has obtained fragments of, cites “national morale and economic productivity” as justification, with a specific addendum targeting high-profile athletes like Rendon. “No more lounging on tropical beaches while the American people grind,” the order reportedly states, though its legal applicability to MLB players remains murky. League officials are scrambling to interpret the directive, with some insiders suggesting it’s more political theater than enforceable policy. Still, the Angels organization has already issued a statement confirming Rendon’s mandatory return, citing “presidential authority” and “team unity.”

Rendon, known for his candid demeanor, didn’t hold back when reached for comment. "F*ck that, I’ll just take the severance,” the third baseman quipped, his frustration palpable. It’s unclear whether Rendon’s remark signals a potential retirement, a contract dispute, or simply his trademark bluntness—but it’s already lighting up social media and sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.

The broader context of Trump’s federal return-to-work order, announced earlier this month, has set the stage for this unexpected crossover into sports. That policy, aimed at boosting office culture and reducing what the administration calls “remote laziness,” faced mixed reactions from government employees but has now taken a bizarre twist with Rendon’s inclusion. Baseball purists are hailing the move as a return to grit and grind, while critics argue it’s an overreach into private enterprise and player autonomy.

For now, the Angels and Rendon are left navigating uncharted territory. Will the third baseman comply, or is this the beginning of a high-profile standoff? Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story unfolds—because in 2025, even a broken hand and a Cancun getaway can’t escape the long arm of executive orders.