Free representative outfielder Anthony Santander is a throwback to another period.
Santander has actually ended up being a feared power player and a strong run manufacturer. His 105 crowning achievement are the 6th most in the majors because the start of the 2022 season, and his 286 RBI are the 13th many. Santander is not a hazard to get on base, as he was connected for 184th amongst competent players with a. 318 on-base portion.
His throwback technique and absence of on-base abilities do not suggest that Santander will suffer in complimentary firm. Groups in desperate requirement of power might want to endure that hole in his video game. Santander might be thought about a Plan B for groups that stop working to land Juan Soto, as he would still be a harmful player at a portion of the expense.
Where will Anthony Santander land in complimentary company? Let's have a look at 3 possible locations.
Kansas City Royals outfielders were amongst the worst in the majors in 2024. Royals outfielders integrated to produce an average.219/.282/.360 batting line, ranking 29th in typical and slugging and last in on-base portion and OPS. The outfield did not offer much power; their 58 homers connected for 24th.
Santander would alter the offending vibrant immediately. He would offer another power bat in a lineup greatly dependent on shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., catcher Salvador Perez and very first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. Royals basic supervisor J.J. Picollo informed MLB.com's Anne Rogers that getting on base is an essential piece in prospective upgrades to the lineup, Santander's power bat would change their lineup.
Soto is the New York Yankees' leading concern. If he signs somewhere else, the Yankees require a backup strategy, and Santander might belong to that.
At the start of November, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees was among 8 groups to sign in on the outfielder. Such interest makes good sense if Soto leaves as the power-hitting Santander might action in to assist secure fellow outfielder Aaron Judge in the lineup.
The Yankees might have another outfield area to fill even if Soto returns considering that Alex Verdugo is a complimentary representative. Santander might be the response.
The Washington Nationals have the start of an appealing core with outfielders James Wood and Dylan Crews, shortstop CJ Abrams and pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Santander might be another piece of that.
Santander and the Nationals have actually been connected in complimentary company. Jim Bowden of The Athletic forecasted Santander would check in the country's capital. Jon Morosi from MLB Network likewise connected Santander to the Nationals, stating that such a relocation would construct on the enjoyment around the group.
While the Nationals' outfield of today and future seems set, Santander's defense is finest fit for the designated player function.
