The New York Yankees continue to make moves in the wake of their high-profile offseason losses, and Anthony Santander has emerged as a potential key addition. Multiple reports suggest the Yankees are closing in on the slugging switch-hitter, a move that could bolster their offense as they seek to rebound in 2024.
To add fuel to the fire, the internet recently noticed that Anthony Santander has started following the Yankees on Instagram, intensifying rumors that he could potentially join the Bronx Bombers.
Anthony Santander nearing Yankees deal amid outfield shakeup
According to Randy Miller of NJ.com, former MLB All-Star and podcast host Carlos Baerga hinted on X (formerly Twitter) that Santander and the Yankees are on the verge of a deal. Baerga, who runs the “Me Gustan Los Deportes” podcast, claimed: “I think they are already together and [Santander] will soon reach an agreement with the Yankees.”
Santander, who hit a career-best 44 home runs and drove in 102 RBI last season, would provide much-needed power in the lineup after Juan Soto departed for the Mets. While the Orioles slugger doesn’t get on base as frequently as Soto—sporting a .308 OBP compared to Soto’s .419—his bat could make up for some of the Yankees’ offensive void.
The Yankees, who lost out on Kyle Tucker after a failed trade with the Astros, are in search of answers. A move for Santander could align with Brian Cashman’s Winter Meetings strategy of acquiring the best possible talent first and figuring out positional fits later.
Could Santander’s defense become a challenge?
Santander’s defensive metrics remain a concern for any team willing to sign him. Despite logging over 500 games in right field and 75 in left, the 2024 All-Star has consistently rated below average defensively. Statcast places him in the 18th percentile for sprint speed and 28th for outfield range. While his throwing arm remains solid, accuracy has been an issue, and age isn’t likely to improve those numbers.
This poses a dilemma for the Yankees, who are focused on preserving Aaron Judge’s health and defensive impact. Last season, Judge shifted to center field to accommodate Soto in right. Should Santander sign, New York may look to keep Judge in center while positioning Santander in the more forgiving right field at Yankee Stadium. Alternatively, Jasson Dominguez could assume center duties, freeing Judge for left field.
Another option is experimenting with Santander at first base. While his experience at the position is limited to just 72 innings in the majors, it remains a creative solution. If the Yankees feel confident about his potential, they could move Cody Bellinger to the outfield, creating a defensively sound alignment featuring Bellinger, Judge, and Dominguez.
Yankees’ offseason push continues
The Yankees’ interest in Anthony Santander emerges after unsuccessful efforts to finalize a trade for Kyle Tucker and following the recent addition of Cody Bellinger to the roster.
As MLB Trade Rumors projects Santander to land a four-year, $80 million deal, the Yankees appear ready to invest in his offensive upside. While Santander may not replace Soto’s elite production, he could slot in as a valuable middle-of-the-order bat. If Baerga’s prediction holds, the Bronx Bombers might soon welcome their next power-hitting outfielder.
With the Yankees aggressively exploring all avenues to retool their roster, Santander’s addition—if confirmed—could mark a pivotal step in their offseason rebuild.
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