Anthony Santander #25 of the Baltimore Orioles
This offseason has been filled with both high hopes and lingering questions for the Boston Red Sox. After making a splash by acquiring ace Garrett Crochet in a blockbuster trade, the Sox haven’t been as active in the free agent market as fans would expect, especially with a rumored $700 million offer on the table for superstar Juan Soto. While the Sox have been quiet in their follow-up moves, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently suggested a bold pivot for Boston: using some of their remaining funds to sign free-agent slugger Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles.
Santander’s 2024 season has turned heads, and his performance could be exactly what the Red Sox need to help them bounce back in the American League East. With a career-high 44 home runs, 91 runs, and 102 RBIs, Santander was not only the offensive powerhouse for the Orioles but also earned his first All-Star nod and Silver Slugger honors. It’s clear that the 29-year-old outfielder has established himself as one of the premier power hitters in the game.
The Case for Santander in Boston
As the Red Sox continue to work their way through a retooling process, the idea of bringing Santander to Fenway Park makes plenty of sense. With a team still searching for consistency after a disappointing 2023, adding a proven slugger like Santander could provide an immediate spark. His ability to hit for power—especially in the middle of a lineup—could be the game-changer the Red Sox need to compete with the likes of the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays in their division.
Santander’s impressive 2024 campaign did not go unnoticed, with Jon Heyman of the New York Post projecting the outfielder to sign a deal worth upwards of $100 million. While it’s uncertain whether Santander will get exactly what he’s asking for, his performance has made it clear that he’ll be in line for a significant payday, with Boston potentially standing at the front of the line.
The Red Sox’s Financial Flexibility
Boston still has plenty of money to work with after missing out on Soto, who is still one of the most coveted players in the game. Although the Red Sox appear to have been focusing their resources on pitching and building up their staff with the Crochet acquisition, a high-ceiling bat like Santander could be a wise investment. It seems like a logical pivot for a team that, after a frustrating 2023, should prioritize a power hitter to bolster their lineup.
The Red Sox have already proven they’re willing to spend big, so why not use the financial flexibility to secure a player like Santander who could step in and provide immediate production at the plate? His 44 homers and 102 RBIs not only helped propel the Orioles to a solid 91-win season, but they could also be the kind of numbers that make Santander an invaluable asset for a Red Sox lineup that has lacked consistent power in recent years.
A Perfect Fit for Boston’s Needs?
While a potential deal with Santander might not land the Red Sox their coveted ace or top-tier pitcher this offseason, it’s hard to ignore how well he fits Boston’s needs. With a strong, proven bat to add to the roster and room in the budget to make it happen, Santander could be a game-changer. The Red Sox have made it clear that they are still in the market for big names and high-profile players. Pivoting to a player who has already shown he can hit for both power and consistency might be the move they need to make.
It’s clear that Boston’s offseason plans are far from over. If the Red Sox are unable to land a frontline pitcher, adding a player like Anthony Santander would not only shore up the middle of their lineup but also provide much-needed power for years to come. Fans will be waiting with bated breath to see what the next move is, but Santander’s name is certainly one that should stay on the radar as the winter months drag on.
In the end, adding Santander could give the Red Sox the extra push they need to remain competitive in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, and with a potential $100 million deal looming, the team could strike while the iron is hot. Only time will tell if Boston is ready to make that leap, but the signs are all there: Santander could very well be the missing piece to the Red Sox’s puzzle.
