Free agent outfielder Anthony Santander is a throwback to another era.
Santander has become a feared power hitter and a solid run producer. His 105 home runs are the sixth most in the majors since the start of the 2022 season, and his 286 RBI are the 13th most. However, Santander is not a threat to get on base, as he was tied for 184th among qualified hitters with a .318 on-base percentage.
His throwback approach and lack of on-base skills do not mean that Santander will languish in free agency. Teams in desperate need of power may be willing to tolerate that hole in his game. Likewise, Santander could be considered a Plan B for teams that fail to land Juan Soto, as he would still be a dangerous hitter at a fraction of the cost.
Where will Anthony Santander land in free agency? Let’s take a look at three possible destinations.
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals outfielders were among the worst in the majors in 2024. Royals outfielders combined to produce a mediocre .219/.282/.360 batting line, ranking 29th in average and slugging and last in on-base percentage and OPS. The outfield did not provide much power; their 58 homers tied for 24th.
Santander would change the offensive dynamic instantly. He would provide another power bat in a lineup heavily reliant on shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., catcher Salvador Perez and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. Although Royals general manager J.J. Picollo told MLB.com’s Anne Rogers that getting on base is an important piece in potential upgrades to the lineup, Santander’s power bat would transform their lineup.
New York Yankees
Soto is the New York Yankees’ top priority. If he signs elsewhere, the Yankees need a backup plan, and Santander may be part of that.
At the beginning of November, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees were one of eight teams to check in on the outfielder. Such interest makes sense if Soto departs as the power-hitting Santander could step in to help protect fellow outfielder Aaron Judge in the lineup.
The Yankees may have another outfield spot to fill even if Soto returns since Alex Verdugo is a free agent. Santander could be the answer.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have the beginning of an intriguing core with outfielders James Wood and Dylan Crews, shortstop CJ Abrams and pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Santander could be another piece of that.
Santander and the Nationals have been linked in free agency. Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicted Santander would sign in the nation’s capital. Jon Morosi from MLB Network also tied Santander to the Nationals, saying that such a move would build on the excitement around the team.
While the Nationals’ outfield of the present and future appears to be set, Santander’s defense is best suited for the designated hitter role. Adding Santander could be the catalyst for the next Nationals team to contend for the postseason.
