The New York Yankees are gearing up to make a major splash in free agency this winter, with their sights firmly set on superstar Juan Soto. As the richest team in baseball, the Yankees have the financial muscle to outbid anyone for Soto, though securing his services is not a foregone conclusion.
They face stiff competition from other big-market teams like the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox, both of which are vying for the dynamic outfielder. However, if the Yankees fail to land Soto, they still have a solid backup plan in mind.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, the Yankees have checked in on Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander, who could be a great fit for Yankee Stadium due to his left-handed power, which plays well to the short right-field porch. Jon Heyman of the New York Post notes that Santander is essentially a fallback option for the Yankees if their pursuit of Soto falls short.
This situation mirrors that of the Mets, with both teams potentially facing the risk of Santander signing elsewhere before Soto’s market is fully settled.
Santander has been a consistent power hitter for the Orioles, posting a career .246 average with 316 extra-base hits, 155 home runs, 435 RBIs, and a .776 OPS over his eight seasons.
The 30-year-old is projected to command a five-year, $97 million contract, which would pay him just over $19 million annually, according to Spotrac. The competition for Soto is expected to be fierce, with Mets owner Steven Cohen reportedly willing to spend whatever it takes to bring the 2019 World Series champion to New York. If the Yankees can’t secure Soto, signing Santander would be a logical next move—provided he’s still available.
