The New York Yankees are actively exploring backup plans this offseason as the bidding war for superstar Juan Soto heats up, and Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander has emerged as a top alternative. While retaining Soto remains the Yankees’ priority, the team is preparing for the possibility of losing him to deep-pocketed rivals like the Mets or Red Sox.
Santander on Yankees’ radar as Soto sweepstakes heat up
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have shown interest in Santander, a power-hitting outfielder with a profile that could thrive in Yankee Stadium. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer highlighted Santander’s fit, particularly as a left-handed slugger whose power is tailor-made for the stadium’s short right-field porch. However, Heyman noted that Santander is only being considered as a contingency plan if the Yankees cannot re-sign Soto.
Santander, 30, has spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Orioles, establishing himself as a consistent offensive presence. Over that span, he has compiled a .246 batting average, 155 home runs, 435 RBIs, and a .776 OPS. His ability to deliver extra-base hits—316 in total—makes him an appealing option for a Yankees lineup that could use more power from the left side. Spotrac projects Santander’s market value at approximately $97 million over five years, equating to just over $19 million annually. This price tag is a fraction of the historic deal Soto is expected to command, making Santander an affordable yet impactful addition.
Timing, however, poses a significant risk for the Yankees. As the market for Juan Soto develops, teams like the Yankees and Mets may hesitate to commit to secondary targets, leaving players like Santander free to sign elsewhere. “The risk for both is that Santander will sign before Soto’s market is settled,” Rymer wrote. With other teams likely to pursue Santander, the Yankees could face stiff competition for his services if they wait too long.
Santander’s fit in the Bronx goes beyond his offensive capabilities. His switch-hitting versatility and defensive reliability in the outfield make him a well-rounded addition to a team looking to bolster its lineup. The Yankees, who missed the postseason in 2024, are under pressure to make significant moves to ensure they return to contention. While Soto represents the dream scenario, Santander offers a realistic and valuable alternative that could help keep the team competitive in the American League East.
Should the Yankees fail to secure Soto, signing Santander would soften the blow and provide a solid foundation for their offseason. With his ability to handle the bright lights of New York and deliver consistent production, Santander could emerge as a critical piece of the Yankees’ plans for 2025 and beyond. For now, the Yankees must carefully balance their pursuit of Soto with ensuring they don’t miss out on Santander, who could be one of the offseason’s most underrated acquisitions.
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