Free agent slugger Anthony Santander is among the most sought-after power hitters available this offseason, attracting interest from numerous teams, including the Red Sox and Blue Jays. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have also joined the mix after Juan Soto signed with the Mets. Santander, who has been a key offensive piece for the Orioles, is reportedly seeking a five-year contract as he approaches his age-30 season.
Santander is coming off a career-best campaign in 2024, where he smashed 44 home runs and posted a .235/.308/.506 slash line, equating to a 129 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus). While he doesn’t hit for high average and his walk rate has been modest throughout his career, his power has remained a consistent strength. Over the past four seasons, he has compiled a .245/.312/.476 batting line, with 134 home runs, a 7.8% walk rate, and a 20.6% strikeout rate. Notably, Santander’s walk rate climbed to a career-best 8.7% in 2024, and his 19.4% strikeout rate was his second-lowest in a full season.
On the defensive side, Santander’s performance has been less encouraging. He primarily plays in the corner outfield and received negative metrics for his work in 2024. Defensive Runs Saved graded him at -7, while Statcast’s Outs Above Average rated him at -2. His sprint speed was below average, ranking in the 18th percentile at 26.0 ft/sec. Although his raw arm strength was above average, Statcast rated his throwing value as below average, suggesting issues with accuracy and decision-making.
Despite defensive limitations, there’s precedent for players like Santander landing lucrative contracts. Recent examples include Nick Castellanos, who secured a five-year, $100 million deal with the Phillies in 2021, and Kyle Schwarber, who signed a four-year, $79 million deal with the same team. Before them, J.D. Martinez inked a five-year, $110 million contract with the Red Sox as a designated hitter. However, Castellanos, Schwarber, and Martinez were all coming off stronger offensive seasons than Santander. Only Castellanos received and rejected a qualifying offer, as Schwarber and Martinez were ineligible due to midseason trades during their contract years.
