The New York Yankees faced a significant setback when Juan Soto chose to join the New York Mets, leaving a noticeable gap in their lineup. While they’ve made efforts to replace his production by acquiring Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, the team is still in need of an additional bat to strengthen the middle of their order.
One potential solution on the market is Anthony Santander. Although he may not be on the same level as Soto in terms of pure hitting, Santander, a switch-hitter, is coming off a remarkable 44-home-run season. His market remains active, but he has yet to find a home, possibly due to concerns about his potential contract, with predictions pointing to a four-year, $80 million deal.
Santander’s strengths are clear: he’s a slugger who doesn’t strike out excessively, with just 129 strikeouts last season, making him a strong offensive option. However, signing him comes with a catch: he carries a qualifying offer, meaning any team other than the Orioles would need to give up draft compensation. Additionally, while he doesn’t walk a lot, evidenced by his career-high 58 walks last season, his .307 on-base percentage may raise some concerns for certain teams.
Despite some reservations, the Yankees are reportedly among several teams interested in the 30-year-old outfielder. Other clubs like the Red Sox, Angels, and Tigers have also shown interest. Santander, who earned a Silver Slugger Award in 2024 and made his first All-Star appearance, is reportedly intrigued by the idea of playing for the Yankees, further intensifying the connection.
Anthony Santander
While the Yankees remain a plausible landing spot for Santander, there’s a possibility that he could end up with a division rival. According to some industry insiders, the Toronto Blue Jays are strongly pursuing him.
With their need for power to complement Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, Santander could provide the perfect fit in their lineup. If the Yankees remain passive in the market, they risk losing out on him to a competitor. However, should his market remain quiet, the Yankees might increase their interest and bring the slugger to the Bronx.
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