Anthony Santander, fresh off his first career All-Star appearance, is hitting the free agency market, looking for a big-time contract.
Silver Slugger Coming Off Best Career Season Looking For New Deal
After being claimed by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft in 2016, Santander had a shaky first few seasons. But, following his best season yet, Santander, 30, will hit the free agent market looking to cash in. The Orioles extended a qualifying offer to Santander and would love to bring him back. However, many teams will be vying for his services.
Santander’s 2024 Season
For Anthony Santander, following up his breakout 2023 season with an even better year was going to be tough, but he managed to find a way. Although Santander started off the year slowly, he turned it around very quickly. In June and July combined, Santander hit 22 home runs. During this stretch, Santander was hitting a home run once every 9.5 at-bats. Also, this period earned him a spot in his first career all-star game, in which he went 1-2.
Then, while the Orioles offense floundered during the last two months of the season, Santander did not. In the second half of 2024, Santander had a .858 OPS and crushed 20 homeruns. That includes a big-time home run in late August that gave the Orioles some life.
Throughout the season, Santander had many clutch moments, which is a big reason why he routinely hit third in a loaded Orioles lineup. Santander finished the season with 44 home runs and 102 RBI, both of which were top 15 in MLB. Additionally, Santander earned a Silver Slugger award because of his strong season. Although he went just 1-8 over the Orioles’ two playoff games, Santander’s big-time power and reliable fielding make him an attractive option for many teams this offseason.
Will Santander Stay In Baltimore?
Remaining in Baltimore is 100 percent a possibility for Santander.
From the Oriole’s perspective, it makes sense to retain him. Santander was as reliable a player could be this past season. Plus, the archetype of Santander is a valuable one. A consistent switch-hitting power hitter who does more than just hit home runs does not describe many players.
Santander is truly one of a kind, and his price is very reasonable. Santander will command anywhere from 20-25 million per year for a 5 or 6-year contract. For the Orioles, who have the potential to increase payroll with a new owner, that deal is very reasonable.
Also, staying in Baltimore would be a good move for Santander, assuming he is paid what he deserves. Remaining in Baltimore would give him a chance to be a high-level player on a World Series team. Additionally, Santander survived the long rebuilding years, and staying through with the Orioles in hopes of a championship could give him a satisfying end to an incredible story.
Other Potential Landing Spots
Besides the Orioles, other small-market teams have been rumored to show interest in Santander.
The Washington Nationals, who are building a solid young core, seem poised to take a run at Santander. They still have yet to fill the void Juan Soto left, and Santander would be a perfect piece to slide in. It would be a similar situation to the Orioles for Santander, as he would be the veteran in a young clubhouse.
Also, the Cincinnati Reds have been rumored to have an interest in Santander. It’s a new vibe in Cincinnati, as they bring in a new manager, Terry Francona. Adding Santander, who may be able to eclipse 50 home runs while playing for the Reds because of their hitters-friendly ballpark, would be an excellent first move. He would nicely round out their core of solid players and give them a real chance to compete.
Main Photo Credits: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
