Anthony Santander, a free agent outfielder who has spent his entire major league career with the Baltimore Orioles, finds himself in a peculiar situation. While the Orioles are the only team that wouldn’t have to forfeit 2025 draft picks to sign him, they are reportedly not among the top contenders for his services. This unexpected development raises questions about the Orioles’ offseason strategy and Santander’s future in the league.
According to a recent report, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros have emerged as the frontrunners for Santander, with both teams reportedly presenting more lucrative offers than Baltimore. The Blue Jays, aiming to bolster their lineup after missing out on Juan Soto, view Santander as a potential offensive upgrade. The Astros, on the other hand, seek to fill the void left by Kyle Tucker’s trade. Their recent acquisition of first baseman Christian Walker solidifies their infield, allowing them to focus resources on acquiring an outfielder like Santander.
The Los Angeles Angels, despite having a seemingly crowded outfield with the return of Mike Trout, have also expressed interest. Their potential strategy involves utilizing Santander as a designated hitter or trading an existing outfielder like Taylor Ward. This dynamic highlights the competitive landscape for Santander’s services and the various ways teams envision integrating him into their rosters.
Santander’s consistent performance over eight seasons, including a career-high 44 home runs and 102 RBIs in 2024, makes him an attractive asset. While his batting average hovered around .235, his power numbers and ability to drive in runs hold significant value in today’s game. The Orioles’ apparent reluctance to match competing offers for a player who has been a cornerstone of their lineup is puzzling, especially given their unique advantage regarding draft pick compensation.
The Orioles’ recent free agent activity suggests a shift in their priorities. The surprising departure of Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks leaves a significant void in their starting rotation. While they have signed Japanese veteran Tomoyuki Sugano, outfielder Tyler O’Neill, and catcher Gary Sanchez, these moves haven’t addressed the loss of their ace. The Orioles’ decision-making process becomes clearer when considering their recent additions alongside the potential cost of re-signing Santander.
Baltimore’s seemingly passive approach to retaining Santander may reflect a broader strategy focused on pitching and filling other roster needs. Perhaps they believe they can allocate resources more effectively by focusing on strengthening their rotation and adding complementary pieces rather than investing heavily in one player. The decision to let Santander walk, if it comes to fruition, would indicate a calculated gamble on their ability to find comparable production elsewhere at a lower cost. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will ultimately benefit the Orioles in the long run. However, the team’s recent moves suggest a willingness to prioritize pitching depth and explore alternative offensive options, potentially signaling a new direction for the organization.
