The Boston Red Sox, under Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, have been active this offseason, making significant moves such as the Garrett Crochet trade and the Walker Buehler signing, both of which have the potential to provide good returns. However, despite these actions, the team has not made the type of high-profile moves that would satisfy fans hoping for a splash in the free-agent market. While there may not be many remaining options to bolster their roster, one player they are very familiar with could be a good fit: former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander. Santander, a 2024 All-Star, is coming off a season in which he hit 44 home runs and has spent his entire career in the American League East, frequently facing the Red Sox. Despite his power, Santander has a .307 on-base percentage, and while he’s a switch-hitter, he struggles more from the right side of the plate, which could be seen as a flaw.
On Friday, after Teoscar Hernández signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Christopher Kline of FanSided suggested that the Red Sox should quickly pivot and pursue Santander, pointing out that Santander fits the mold of what the Red Sox need. Although Kline noted that Santander’s struggles from the right side of the plate make him less than a perfect fit, he acknowledged that the free-agent pool is limited, and Santander represents a logical upgrade to the outfield, especially since the Red Sox were not willing to make a big enough investment to land someone like Juan Soto or Hernández.
Santander’s market value is uncertain, especially after Hernández’s signing. He made $11.7 million in arbitration for the 2024 season and is likely seeking a significant pay raise, possibly in the range of $70 million to $110 million, depending on the length of the contract. Given Santander’s combination of notable strengths—such as his power—and his flaws, it remains unclear if the Red Sox will be willing to make such a financial commitment. Nonetheless, pursuing Santander would be a step in the right direction for the team, offering a potential solution for their outfield needs. If the Red Sox do not act on this opportunity, it could leave a sour taste in fans’ mouths as the season approaches.
