After losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets, the New York Yankees have completed the first phase of their emergency backup plan. Max Fried, a free agent starting pitcher, signed a deal with the Bronx Bombers to be paired with Gerrit Cole at the top of the starting rotation.
The Yankees must now keep expanding their roster. Naturally, the outfield is one position they can add, and one of the best candidates is Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles.
The Yankees must now keep expanding their roster. Naturally, the outfield is one position they can add, and one of the best candidates is Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles.
FanSided’s Rucker Haringey recently predicted that the Yankees will make a big trade to acquire Santander from the Orioles. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Santander is expected to agree to a five-year, $100 million contract.
“Cashman and his team are aware of the Baltimore Orioles’ formidable AL East threat. Although that is a worthwhile extra benefit, that is not the only reason they ought to be interested in outfielder Anthony Santander,” Haringey said. “Santander will sign a significant free agency contract, but it won’t be nearly as good as what Soto received from the Mets. If he delivers the Yankees 80 percent of Soto’s output, they should sign him for a fraction of the cost.
The Yankees need to add an outfield player, and Santander might be the best choice if they wish to avoid selling from their small pool of prospects. He hit a career-high 44 home runs in 2024, and by playing in Yankee Stadium, which is hitter-friendly, that total might rise even more.
Teoscar Hernández and Jurickson Profar would be good choices if the Yankees are unable to acquire Santander. If the Yankees can avoid having to pay Cody Bellinger’s whole contract, he would be a good trade target. In any case, Santander’s switch-hitting and slugging potential make him possibly the best choice.
