The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking stock of their roster after Walker Buehler’s departure to the Boston Red Sox. And the Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander’s trade rumors are starting to heat up. The Dodgers are now left with a void in their outfield after Beuhler is gone.
Santander, who just made his first All-Star appearance, could be the perfect fit. The composition looks believable in case the team couldn’t bring back fan favorite Teoscar Hernandez. After hitting a career-high 44 home runs last season, Santander’s powerful swing makes him an exciting option for the Dodgers as they aim to amp up their offensive game.
Last season was definitely a breakout year for Santander. He finished with a .235/.308/.506 batting line, home to 102 RBIs and an impressive 129 wRC+. Being recognized as an All-Star is no small feat, especially for a switch-hitter. And it’s been since Carlos Beltran in 2006 that someone accomplished what Santander did.
Signing Anthony Santander is on the table for the Dodgers to fill their OF need outside of Teoscar Hernández, according to @JonHeyman
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) December 27, 2024
Santander just had one of the most-productive seasons ever as a switch-hitter and hit 44 home runs.
LA is keeping their options open. pic.twitter.com/o4hMhZGjDp
In a league full of fierce competition, adding a hitter of Santander’s caliber could be just what Los Angeles needs to ensure they remain serious contenders. The right-handed slugger’s powerful bat places him as an enticing option for a team seeking to enhance its offensive lineup.
Also Read: Why Are The Los Angeles Dodgers Signing Andrew Toles Despite His Absence Since 2018? Find Out
Anthony Santander Is Attracting Few More Teams
Most of the free agents are seeing a deliberately higher demand lately. And Anthony Santander is no different. He has become the most obvious target for teams looking at their outfields. With Juan Soto’s recent move to the Mets, many expected a flurry of activity in the outfield market. However, players like Santander and Hernandez are still waiting for their new homes.
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The Baltimore Orioles, which have already filled their outfield gap with Tyler O’Neill, left Anthony searching for a fitting landing spot amid a shifting landscape of available outfield talent.
Anthony Santander is drawing strong interest from the Blue Jays, Red Sox and Yankees, per @jonmorosi pic.twitter.com/7ceDQlRO5m
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) December 9, 2024
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Toronto Blue Jays are leading the race to sign Santander, with the Boston Red Sox close behind. Both teams are eager to make impactful additions after missing out on other big names like Soto. After posting impressive stats last season, Santander remains an attractive option despite some inconsistencies.
The landscape of free agency is getting complicated, and once Teoscar Hernandez finds a new team, the club that misses out may quickly turn its attention to Santander.
And there is a high possibility that Santander get a multi-year deal with a value similar to what Hernandez receives. It’s a fascinating time in baseball as teams work tirelessly to put together competitive rosters for the upcoming season.
Also Read: Can The Dodgers Re-Sign Teoscar Hernandez In Free Agency? Find Out