MLB Rumors: Angels, Blue Jays favorites to acquire 30-year-old All-Star free agent, per Tigers insider

The Detroit Tigers have shown interest in acquiring right-handed hitter Anthony Santander, according to Tigers insider Evan Petzold, but the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels are the frontrunners.

The Tigers are looking for another right-handed hitter and have been in constant touch with Alex Bregman, who is reportedly close with Tigers manager A.J Hinch and bullpen catcher Chris Chinea. However, they reportedly have a contingency plan in place in case they miss out on Bregman.

"The Tigers have interest in right fielder Anthony Santander, but the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels are the frontrunners for his services," Petzold said.

"He isn't expected to reunite with the Orioles in 2025. If the Tigers add Bregman, Matt Vierling — a fellow right-handed hitter — would play all three outfield positions, which is where he fits best. If they add Santander, Vierling would stick at third base because Santander is limited to right field," he added.

Santander, 30, slashed .125 with 128 strikeouts, 44 home runs and 58 walks in 155 games for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024. He made it to the All-Star Game for the first time in his eight-year career.

---

MLB insider predicts acquisition of Anthony Santander by the Boston Red Sox

After the Baltimore Orioles signed outfielder Tyler O'Neill to a three-year deal, the chances of Anthony Santander returning are close to nil. Santander has potential suitors from the American League East, including Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.

The Yardbarker's Colin Cerniglia predicted Santander would land in Boston.

"The Boston Red Sox will double down on offense, adding Santander's switch-hitting power to their lineup," Cerniglia wrote.

Santander has a .814 OPS, 91 runs and 102 RBIs in 665 plate appearances. He received the Silver Slugger award last season.