MLB Legend Jonathan Papelbon Blasts Angels' Anthony Rendon: 'He Don't Give a S--t'

Former MLB closer Jonathan Papelbon doubled down on his criticism toward former Washington Nationals teammate Anthony Rendon.

During an interview with Foul Territory on Wednesday, Papelbon recounted how "it was like a chore" for Rendon when he'd prepare for games in the clubhouse.

"He strictly got away with just raw athleticism and raw talent," he said at the 14:50 mark. "There's a reason why he's not as successful as he really truly could be because he's got more God-given talent than probably all three of us sitting here talent. But at the end of the day he don't give a s--t."

The six-time All-Star was asked about Rendon's comments about how playing baseball wasn't a "top priority" in his life:

Papelbon said something similar in January when quotes from Rendon's appearance on the Jack Vita Show made the rounds. He took exception to the 2019 All-Star saying lightheartedly the MLB season should be shortened:

Perhaps Rendon is a case of what could've been, and he would be a multi-time All-Star on a Hall of Fame trajectory right now if he had a deeper passion for his craft.

But Papelbon was far too dismissive of the 33-year-old's career résumé and the work that was required to build that.

During his seven years with the Nationals, Rendon was one of the best third basemen in the league. According to FanGraphs, his 30.7 WAR between 2013 and 2019 ranks fourth among those who patrolled the hot corner. He didn't compile a .290/.369/.490 slash line through pure talent alone.

Maybe Rendon wasn't the most hard-working member of the team and came off as aloof in the clubhouse. But a lot of practice and dedication was required for him to first even reach the MLB level and then go on to become an elite corner infielder.

Countless others have had just as much, if not more, raw talent and faded into obscurity. And they certainly didn't earn generational wealth.