As the MLB offseason heats up, the New York Yankees and New York Mets find themselves in an intense battle for Juan Soto, the star outfielder who will be one of the most sought-after players in free agency. Both teams are looking to add offensive firepower to their lineups, and Soto, with his exceptional on-base skills and power, is seen as the ideal fit for either club. However, if they fail to land Soto, the Yankees and Mets may quickly shift their attention to another high-caliber slugger: Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander.
Santander, 30, enjoyed a breakout 2024 season, earning his first All-Star selection, winning a Silver Slugger Award, and finishing 14th in American League MVP voting. The switch-hitter set career highs in several key categories, including home runs (44), RBI (102), runs scored (91), and OPS (.814). His impressive production during the regular season, combined with his ability to hit from both sides of the plate, makes him one of the top available outfielders on the market.
The timing of Santander’s career year could not be better for both him and the teams that may pursue him. While teams like the Yankees, Mets, and others, including the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, continue to vie for Soto’s services, the Orioles slugger could emerge as a viable alternative if those plans fall through. As an outfielder with significant power and the ability to contribute in a variety of offensive categories, Santander would immediately step into a key role for any team in need of a right-handed bat.
Although Santander rejected the qualifying offer from the Orioles, meaning he is tied to draft-pick compensation, it is unlikely that this will deter potential suitors. His consistent production, particularly in 2024, has earned him a spot among the top free agents available this winter. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer ranks Santander as the eighth-best free agent heading into the 2024 Winter Meetings, with the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, and Washington Nationals all listed as potential landing spots for the slugger. While the Yankees and Mets remain focused on Soto, Santander’s availability could quickly elevate his status if those teams fail to secure their primary target.
The financial landscape for Santander is expected to be substantial, with projections putting his next contract in the $20 million per year range. A deal for five years and $101 million, as suggested by Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, would place him in a competitive market but could be worth it for teams in need of a proven power hitter. While this figure might be slightly above his market value—Spotrac estimates his worth at just shy of $89 million—if a bidding war ensues, Santander’s earning potential could certainly rise into the nine-figure range.
For the Yankees and Mets, the decision on whether to pursue Santander will likely hinge on the outcome of their efforts to land Soto. If the high-stakes pursuit of Soto does not pan out, the two New York teams could quickly pivot to Santander as an appealing backup option, one who could provide instant impact in their respective lineups and bolster their chances in the competitive American League and National League East divisions.
