The presence of a 44-homer slugger like Anthony Santander on the MLB free-agent market is noteworthy, particularly given his impressive performance in the 2024 season. Santander, who prior to 2024 had hit 61 home runs and recorded a .785 OPS over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, truly excelled this year, finishing with 44 homers, 102 runs batted in, and a .814 OPS. This marks a significant career year for the 30-year-old just as he enters the free-agent landscape, positioning him for potential lucrative offers unless market dynamics inhibit his opportunities.
Despite the competitive landscape, which features other high-profile hitters like Juan Soto, Santander presents a compelling combination of upside and affordability. His 105 home runs since 2022 rank among the top three in MLB, while his OPS+ indicates he has been 25 percent better than the average hitter during this period. While his .246 batting average and .307 on-base percentage might suggest otherwise, Santander is anything but one-dimensional. His ability to generate contact is underscored by being one of only two players, alongside Yordan Alvarez, to rank in the top 25 percent for both whiff and barrel rates in 2024. However, his defensive metrics reflect room for improvement, as indicated by his minus-13 Outs Above Average, suggesting that he may not be the most proficient right fielder.
Teams considering Santander must also navigate the implications of his rejected qualifying offer from the Orioles, meaning that signing him entails forfeiting at least one draft pick in 2025, potentially more. His profile bears resemblance to those of Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, who secured contracts valued at $80 million and $100 million, respectively, after their free agency bids post-2021. Consequently, organizations like the Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Seattle Mariners might explore options to acquire Santander at a more modest financial commitment. With rankings established for ten plausible destinations for Santander, the analysis begins with teams that could benefit from his talents.
The Chicago Cubs, who finished with an 83-79 record in 2024 and are projected to have Cody Bellinger as their right fielder for 2025, may find Santander enticing due to their need for a power hitter capable of knocking over 30 home runs. However, fitting Santander into their lineup could require trading existing outfield talent, making this a speculative scenario.
The Boston Red Sox, projected to have Wilyer Abreu in right field in 2025 after finishing 81-81 in 2024, could pivot to Santander as a secondary option should their pursuit of Juan Soto fall short. Santander's overall profile might not match Soto's star power, but he could serve as a valuable contributor alongside other strategic acquisitions.
Similarly, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who boasted a robust 98-64 record and are projecting James Outman as their right fielder, have their sights set on Soto but could easily revert to signing Santander if their bid for the star player does not materialize. With significant financial resources at their disposal, the Dodgers are a real contender in the free-agent market.
The New York Mets, who finished the 2024 season at 89-73 and are projected to have Starling Marte in right field, are reportedly willing to outbid other suitors for Soto. If this pursuit does not yield results, Santander could emerge as a pragmatic alternative, potentially filling a designated hitter role or reinforcing the outfield.
The New York Yankees, who concluded the 2024 season with a 94-68 record and Aaron Judge slated for right field in 2025, have shown interest in Santander, viewing him as a possible fall-back option should they fail to secure Soto's services. This situation mirrors that of the Mets, creating a competitive environment for the dual pursuit of both players.
The San Francisco Giants, projected to have Mike Yastrzemski as their right fielder and coming off an 80-82 record in 2024, may be inclined to consider Santander due to their ongoing search for offensive prowess. Although their costly failure to attract other prominent hitters has been noted, Santander could provide a more realistic target, albeit with concerns regarding the team’s financial strategies and stadium dynamics that could challenge power hitters.
The Baltimore Orioles' general manager Mike Elias has suggested that there remains a possibility for Santander to return to the team where he has enjoyed success. However, as the organization shifts its focus toward bolstering its pitching staff, re-signing or replacing Santander may not surface as a primary objective.
The Detroit Tigers, who posted a respectable 86-76 record in 2024, must prioritize fortifying their offense after several seasons of underperformance at the plate. Santander's addition could revamp their home run capabilities, provided his potential salary aligns with their budgetary goals.
In considering the Washington Nationals, with a dismal output of only 135 home runs in the previous season, acquiring Santander could substantially enhance their offensive production. Recent positive developments among their younger players, coupled with the organization’s readiness to invest in free agency, suggest that pursuing a transformative addition like Santander might be plausible.
Lastly, the Toronto Blue Jays, who experienced a drop in home runs—hitting only 156 after leading MLB just a few seasons prior—present a notable case for Santander. An efficient investment in the slugger could address their immediate power gap and create financial flexibility for future roster enhancements.
