Anthony Santander’s future hangs in the balance as the 2025 MLB offseason unfolds. After achieving a career-high 44 home runs in 2024, his final season before free agency, the power-hitting outfielder finds himself at a crossroads, attracting interest from multiple teams, including his current club, the Baltimore Orioles. While Santander has spent his entire professional career within the Orioles organization, including the last eight years in the major leagues, his future in Baltimore is uncertain. The allure of free agency and lucrative offers from other clubs presents a significant challenge for the Orioles as they strive to retain one of their most productive offensive players. A new report indicates six teams have expressed interest in Santander, setting the stage for a potential bidding war for his services.
The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as the frontrunners in the pursuit of Santander, reportedly extending a four-year, $82 million offer. This offer surpasses any proposal from the Orioles, placing Toronto in a strong position to acquire the Venezuelan slugger. The Blue Jays’ aggressive approach underscores their desire to bolster their outfield after a disappointing 2024 season. Their pursuit of Santander follows unsuccessful attempts to land other prominent free-agent outfielders, Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernández, highlighting their determination to upgrade their roster. The Angels, Tigers, Astros, Mets, and Orioles also remain in contention for Santander, creating a competitive landscape as teams evaluate their options and assess the value of adding his potent bat to their lineups.
The Orioles’ offseason strategy has focused on targeted acquisitions rather than a wholesale roster overhaul. Their most significant move to date has been the signing of outfielder Tyler O’Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million contract. O’Neill, a proven power hitter, brings experience and a track record of consistent production to Baltimore’s outfield. The Orioles have also addressed other areas of their roster, signing veteran pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano and catcher Gary Sanchez to bolster their pitching staff and catching depth, respectively. These moves demonstrate the Orioles’ commitment to strengthening their team while maintaining financial flexibility. However, retaining Santander would require a substantial financial commitment, potentially exceeding their initial budget.
The Blue Jays’ interest in Santander stems from their desire to address their offensive shortcomings, particularly in the outfield. Their 2024 season was marred by underperformance from several outfielders, contributing to their disappointing overall record. The additions of Davis Schneider, Daulton Varsho, and George Springer failed to provide the desired offensive spark, leading the Blue Jays to explore external options to improve their lineup. While the Blue Jays have acquired second baseman Andres Gimenez, their outfield remains a primary area of concern. Signing Santander would allow the Blue Jays to utilize Schneider in a utility role while providing a much-needed power threat alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Santander’s presence would significantly enhance the Blue Jays’ offensive firepower and address a key weakness.
The Orioles face the prospect of losing a cornerstone of their offense if they cannot match the Blue Jays’ offer for Santander. Santander’s consistent power production over the past eight seasons has made him a valuable asset to the Orioles. His 155 home runs and 435 RBIs demonstrate his ability to drive in runs and contribute significantly to the team’s offensive output. Losing Santander would create a void in the Orioles’ lineup, requiring them to explore alternative options to maintain their offensive firepower. The Orioles’ decision to retain or let go of Santander will have significant implications for their future offensive production and their ability to compete in a competitive American League East division. The Orioles must weigh the financial implications of matching the Blue Jays’ offer against the potential loss of a key offensive contributor.
The competition for Santander’s services underscores the value of power-hitting outfielders in today’s MLB landscape. Teams are increasingly recognizing the importance of offensive production, and players like Santander, with a proven track record of hitting home runs, are highly sought after. The Orioles’ willingness to invest in O’Neill and their interest in retaining Santander reflects this trend, as they aim to build a potent offensive lineup capable of competing with the league’s best. The Blue Jays’ pursuit of Santander further exemplifies the premium placed on power hitters, as they seek to upgrade their offense and contend for a playoff spot. Santander’s decision will ultimately depend on a combination of factors, including financial considerations, the opportunity to play for a contending team, and his personal preferences. The outcome of his free agency will have significant implications for both the Orioles and the Blue Jays as they chart their respective courses for the 2025 season and beyond.
