The Boston Red Sox made their first major move of the offseason last week by trading for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet, a move that not only strengthens their rotation but also prevented the New York Yankees from acquiring the southpaw.
Now, with outfielder Juan Soto having signed with the New York Mets, the Yankees are looking for ways to fill his void in the lineup—and Anthony Santander has reportedly piqued their interest.
The 30-year-old switch-hitter has spent the last eight seasons in the American League East with the Baltimore Orioles, making him very familiar to the Yankees. Santander had a career-best 2024, earning his first All-Star selection and Silver Slugger Award after slashing .814 OPS with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 91 runs scored.
While a return to Baltimore seems unlikely—especially after the Orioles signed Tyler O’Neill to a three-year deal—Boston could now be in play. FanSided’s Michael Brakebill predicts that the Red Sox will sign Santander. Brakebill wrote: “Boston still needs another starter to complete an elite rotation, but they also need an outfielder. Switch-hitting Anthony Santander feels perfect for hitting balls over the Green Monster or wrapping them around the pesky pole.”
Spotrac projects that Santander will land a five-year, $89 million deal this winter, although Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller suggests his next contract could climb to $100 million, given the demand for impactful outfielders now that teams missed out on Soto.
Could the Red Sox steal him from the Yankees? It looks like they’re positioning themselves well to do so.
