JUST IN: Yankees’ Shocking Move: Soto’s Replacement Predicted to Sign Massive $80 Million DeaL
The New York Yankees lineup suffered a major blow when Juan Soto opted to sign with the New York Mets. In response, the Yankees bolstered their roster by acquiring Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt,
One potential option is Anthony Santander, a switch-hitter coming off an impressive 44-home-run season. While he doesn’t match Soto’s caliber as a pure hitter, Santander’s power could provide a boost.
His free-agent market has been active, but he remains unsigned, likely due to the cost of a potential deal. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report predicts Santander could land a four-year, $80 million contract.
“What’s appealing about Anthony Santander? He’s a switch-hitting slugger who struck out just 129 times last season. That’s an easy pitch,” Kelly noted on January 6.
However, Santander’s qualifying offer complicates matters, as signing him would require forfeiting draft compensation for any team besides the Orioles. Additionally, while he doesn’t strike out as often as most power hitters, his walk rate remains low. His 58 walks last season were a career high, yet his career on-base percentage sits at just .307.
Yankees Have Reported Interest in Santander
After striking out on other targets in MLB free agency, the New York Yankees might find their best option is signing Anthony Santander.
While his defense in the outfield raises concerns—an area the Yankees have aimed to improve—Santander’s offensive production could make up for his shortcomings. The 30-year-old slugger, fresh off a 44-home-run season, has drawn interest from several teams, including the Yankees.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Yankees are among a handful of teams pursuing Santander.
“The Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, and Tigers are among the clubs connected to the 30-year-old Santander, who made his first All-Star team and won a Silver Slugger Award in 2024,” Feinsand reported on January 3.
The interest seems to be mutual. Erik Boland of Newsday reported that Santander is “intrigued” by the idea of playing for the Yankees.
“Free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander, who hit 44 homers last season with the Orioles and did his share of damage against Yankees pitchers during his eight years with Baltimore, is a player of interest. That interest appears to be mutual, as Santander is said to be intrigued by the idea of being a Yankee,” Boland wrote in December.
Santander Could Land With Division Rival
If the New York Yankees continue to wait, Anthony Santander could soon be off the market, potentially signing with another team in the near future.
While the Yankees are a logical fit—and mutual interest exists—it’s far from guaranteed that Santander ends up in the Bronx. One alternative landing spot gaining traction is the Toronto Blue Jays.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic has predicted Santander will join the Blue Jays, despite his market being “strangely quiet.”
“The Santander market has been strangely quiet, but all indications are he’ll end up on a non-contending team and get his long-term contract,” Bowden noted. “There is a lot of buzz in the industry about the Blue Jays being all-in on him, and they definitely need his 44-home-run power in between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in their lineup,” Bowden wrote on January 6.
If Santander’s market remains subdued, the Yankees may see an opportunity to act quickly and secure the slugger before a rival like Toronto swoops in.