The Philadelphia Phillies have been looking to enhance their outfield for the past 18 months. Although the front office has made some minor adjustments, a perfect solution has yet to be found.
While their outfield issues didn’t directly cause their struggles in the 2024 postseason, they certainly didn’t contribute to success. When that happens, it’s a concern.
If the Phillies aim to strengthen the position, there are several free-agent options available. One prominent name is Anthony Santander, a switch-hitter who hit 44 home runs this season.
Santander is among the top hitters in baseball, but there are factors to consider regarding his fit with the Phillies. While adding his offensive power to the lineup would be a challenge for opposing pitchers, he is not known for his defense and is likely to become a designated hitter in the future.
This isn’t their only concern, as they specifically need a center fielder, and Santander doesn’t fulfill that role.
Nonetheless, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com suggests that Philadelphia is one of the top three potential destinations for the 30-year-old.
“Santander has been a reliable player for several years and chose the perfect moment to have a standout season. As a first-time All-Star, he achieved career highs with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs, and his .814 OPS was the highest in a full season. Although he has been vital to the Orioles, it’s likely he will move on, given Baltimore’s depth of young outfield talent and the demand for a power-hitting corner outfielder.”
Santander is projected to command a contract around $100 million, which is reasonable despite his defensive limitations.
When a player can hit over 40 home runs and maintain an OPS above .800, teams often overlook their defensive shortcomings.
It will be intriguing to see how his market develops, as many view him as one of the most underrated free agents.
This could lead to a team possibly overpaying for him, or he may end up signing a short-term deal with a high annual value to demonstrate that last season was not a fluke.
One advantage for Santander is that he has consistently improved each year. Although he’s not getting younger, he is expected to remain productive at 30 years old.
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