Free agent outfielder Anthony Santander is a throwback to a different period.
Santander has turn out to be a feared energy hitter and a stable run producer. His 105 house runs are the sixth most within the majors because the begin of the 2022 season, and his 286 RBI are the thirteenth most. Nonetheless, Santander just isn’t a menace to get on base, as he was tied for 184th amongst certified hitters with a .318 on-base proportion.
His throwback method and lack of on-base expertise don’t imply that Santander will languish in free company. Groups in determined want of energy could also be prepared to tolerate that gap in his recreation. Likewise, Santander might be thought-about a Plan B for groups that fail to land Juan Soto, as he would nonetheless be a harmful hitter at a fraction of the price.
The place will Anthony Santander land in free company? Let’s check out three potential locations.
Kansas Metropolis Royals
Kansas Metropolis Royals outfielders have been among the many worst within the majors in 2024. Royals outfielders mixed to supply a mediocre .219/.282/.360 batting line, rating twenty ninth in common and slugging and final in on-base proportion and OPS. The outfield didn’t present a lot energy; their 58 homers tied for twenty fourth.
Santander would change the offensive dynamic immediately. He would supply one other energy bat in a lineup closely reliant on shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., catcher Salvador Perez and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. Though Royals normal supervisor J.J. Picollo advised MLB.com’s Anne Rogers that getting on base is a crucial piece in potential upgrades to the lineup, Santander’s energy bat would rework their lineup.
New York Yankees
Soto is the New York Yankees’ prime precedence. If he indicators elsewhere, the Yankees want a backup plan, and Santander could also be a part of that.
In the beginning of November, Jon Heyman of the New York Publish reported that the Yankees have been certainly one of eight groups to examine in on the outfielder. Such curiosity is sensible if Soto departs because the power-hitting Santander might step in to assist defend fellow outfielder Aaron Decide within the lineup.Â
The Yankees could have one other outfield spot to fill even when Soto returns since Alex Verdugo is a free agent. Santander might be the reply.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have the start of an intriguing core with outfielders James Wooden and Dylan Crews, shortstop CJ Abrams and pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Santander might be one other piece of that.
Santander and the Nationals have been linked in free company. Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicted Santander would signal within the nation’s capital. Jon Morosi from MLB Community additionally tied Santander to the Nationals, saying that such a transfer would construct on the thrill across the staff.Â
Whereas the Nationals’ outfield of the current and future seems to be set, Santander’s protection is greatest suited to the designated hitter position. Including Santander might be the catalyst for the following Nationals staff to contend for the postseason.
