MLB insider points out Anthony Santander's "uncommon skillset" that can complement Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor in potential Mets move

Switch-hitting outfielder Anthony Santander is one of the most desirable free agents that still remain available on the open market. The 30-year-old is coming off an excellent season after smashing 44 home runs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024.

MLB insider J.P. Morosi believes the New York Mets are enticed by the prospect of having Anthony Santander in their lineup alongside Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor due to his uncanny ability to consistently hit for power from both sides of the plate. He believes the Mets will actively pursue the outfielder if they give up on their plans to bring first baseman Pete Alonso back to the clubhouse this season.

J.P. Morosi offered his perspective to Lauren Shehadi of MLB Network on Thursday.

"Still a lot of interest right now in Anthony Santander. And what has been described as a stall in the Pete Alonso market could create an opening for the Mets to get involved in the Anthony Santander sweepstakes," he said.

"The key reason why is: home runs off both sides of the plate," he added. "Career-high 44 home runs [in 2024]. The list of active switch hitters with 40 home runs is, basically, him. One. It is a very uncommon skill set, and it is the reason why that swing plays and why the Mets would, potentially, like to have him there as the running mate alongside Soto and Lindor."

Last year, Anthony Santander became the first switch hitter to hit 40 home runs since Lance Berkman and Carlos Beltran achieved the feat in 2006.

If it's not Pete Alonso, it could be Anthony Santander: J.P. Morosi

Santander hit a career-high 44 home runs in 2024 (Image Source: Imagn)

According to J.P. Morosi, the New York Mets are not actively pursuing Anthony Santander at the moment but should move in quickly if Pete Alonso does not return to the team. Morosi feels Santander can replace the offensive production of Alonso, but the Mets will need to shake up their defensive alignment.

Therefore, he expects third baseman Mark Vietos to shift over to first base with Brett Baty possibly getting an everyday role at the hot corner.

"The Mets are not a frontrunner. There are no serious discussions that I know of, but if Pete Alonso does not go back to Flushing, Queens," Morosi clarified. "If and when Alonso goes somewhere else, Santander becomes a viable option for the Mets.

"If Alonso leaves, Vientos can slide over and play first base. We'll see what that means for Brett Baty over at third," he added. "But the Mets do seem to be still open-minded to adding one more significant bat. And if it's not Alonso, it could be Santander."

J.P. Morosi underlined the Toronto Blue Jays, the Los Angeles Angels and the Detroit Tigers as the teams that have shown the strongest interest in signing the switch-hitting outfielder.