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The Unlikely Outfielder Poised to Steal the Offseason Spotlight

Juan Soto, the New York Yankees superstar outfielder, is about to spark a frenzy in the offseason. Top teams will be vying for his services, and his price tag? A whopping $500 million. This isn’t surprising, considering his impressive track record. Soto has been compared to some of the greatest hitters in baseball history, including Ted Williams ². His performance through age 24 is nearly unparalleled, with a list of achievements that puts him alongside legends like Frank Thomas, Mike Trout, and Mickey Mantle.
The Yankees acquired Soto from the Padres in a seven-player trade last December, and now they’ll have to fight to keep him. Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, has already hinted that they’ll explore free agency. The Yankees will likely make a strong push to re-sign him, but other teams will be in the mix too. Consider the possibility that the best outfielder, particularly in right field, isn’t Soto, but rather Anthony Santander, who has consistently led the Orioles in power and RBI this season.

Juan Soto, Anthony Santander Free Agent Impact

While Soto has excelled at the plate this season, hitting 40 home runs with a .288 average, his defensive limitations in right field have been exposed. Commentators like Keith Hernandez have taken notice, labeling him a liability in the Subway Series. In contrast, Anthony Santander has emerged as the Orioles’ most valuable hitter, with a remarkable 41 home runs in 2024. Beyond his power, Santander brings a unique combination of skills to the table: a strong arm and exceptional right field defense. This season has been Santander’s best yet, making a strong case for him as one of the top right fielders in the league, despite potentially being overshadowed by Soto in the offseason.

Cost-Effective Alternatives for Teams

For teams like the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, eager to make a World Series push, signing Santander could be a cost-effective alternative to pursuing Juan Soto. This strategy makes sense, especially for big-market teams with deep pockets, as they often need multiple key additions to contend. Signing Santander would provide significant value without breaking the bank. This would leave room to address other pressing needs, such as pitching. The Giants and Mets, in particular, are expected to target top pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Jack Flaherty.
By signing Santander at a lower price point, these teams could bolster their lineup while still having the flexibility to upgrade their rotation.

Specific Teams Do Not Need Soto

Soto’s allure is undeniable, particularly for the San Francisco Giants, who are eager to add a superstar to their roster. However, teams like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers may not necessarily need Soto. Unless teams face key free agency losses, such as Teoscar Hernandez or Pete Alonso, whose departures are uncertain due to their teams’ appeal.

Teams like the Dodgers and Mets, with established cores (Ohtani, Betts, Smith, Muncy, and Lindor, Alonso, Vientos, respectively) and promising prospects (Luisangel Acuna), may not need to splurge on Soto.
For these teams, Anthony Santander presents a more practical and cost-effective option. His impressive bat could deliver similar value to Soto’s, without the long-term financial commitment. Santander’s affordable deal and flexibility make him an attractive option for teams seeking lineup boosts without breaking the bank.
Main Photo: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Tyler Crum

Tyler Crum

Tyler Crum is a die hard baseball fan. When not watching the New York Mets, you might find him delving into military history or watching other sports teams like the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

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