$50,000,000 deal for Anthony Santander is realistic, per Orioles pundit

MLB: Detroit Tigers at Baltimore Orioles - Source: Imagn
MLB: Detroit Tigers at Baltimore Orioles - Image Source: Imagn

One of the biggest names that's left in the hot stove is former Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander. He has yet to agree to a new contract with any team after eight productive seasons with the O's.

Santander had a productive 2024 that he could hedge during contract negotiations as he became a first-time All-Star and Silver Slugger last season.

In the most recent episode of Locked on Orioles hosted by analyst Connor Newcomb, the podcaster discussed the possibility of the right fielder's return to Baltimore amid reported interest from other MLB teams.

youtube-cover
"This is more of a hunch but I have a feeling, that Anthony Santander wants to come back to Baltimore," Newcomb said. "It wasn't in the cards before but maybe it is now," he added. (30:23 onwards)

Newcomb alluded to the article written by MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon on The Athletic. It was written on the column that apart from Mets slugger Pete Alonso, other high profile free agents left in the market such as Jack Flaherty and Anthony Santander are willing to take short-term deals with opt-outs. Newcomb said:

"Santander's value maybe hurt on the market by having a qualifying offer and a low on-base percentage."

To lend credence to the podcaster's claim, Anthony Santander finished his 2024 All-Star year with a .308 OBP. The 30-year-old has never finished a season with an OBP higher than .350. However, looking at his OPS, he has looked alive with a .776 career percentage on the stat. Newcomb added:

"I think Santander can be offered a two or three-year deal worth at least $50 million. I truly think he wants to come back to Baltimore. The team, even with Tyler O'Neill manning the position, should still shell out the two-year, $50 million deal with an opt-out after year one for Anthony Santander."

Orioles pundit predicts team's batting lineup for 2025

Continuing with the episode, Connor Newcomb presented a list of the Baltimore Orioles' projected lineup in 2025. Newcomb included obvious inclusions such as young stars Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutshman. It also featured Jordan Westburg, Ramon Urias, and Ryan Mountcastle—along with the team's outfield:

"You throw in Anthony Santander on DH or right field, it gives you more room to trade other personnel."

At the moment, the team has Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Jorge Mateo, and recently-acquired Tyler O'Neill manning the outfield roles.

The outfielders of the squad certainly aren't pushovers. But bringing back Santander will certainly give the lineup more protection and maintain the team's high-efficiency hitting that finished tied-fourth among all MLB teams last season in terms of OPS at .750.

Quick Links

Edited by Rajdeep Barman
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications