In MLB free agency, the slugger for the Baltimore Orioles is expected to sign a $100 million contract.
Sep. 10, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA – Following a single home run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins (31) celebrates with right fielder Anthony Santander (25). / Paul Rutherford-Imagn Pictures
During the season, the Baltimore Orioles needed some of its best players to put up strong performances, but there is a cost.
It would have been preferable if some of their upcoming free agents had been mediocre, given that their season didn’t turn out as planned, but it’s a poor perspective.
In actuality, their second-best hitter, Anthony Santander, positioned himself to receive compensation during the offseason.
They now have a formidable switch-hitter in the midst of their lineup thanks to his 44 home homers.
He may now be traded by the Orioles as a result of his performance.
Elijah Evans of Just Baseball acknowledged that he worked hard and had a career year.
Evans listed free agents who will get a raise due to their performances in 2024, listing Santander.
“While he was already a productive piece in Baltimore the past two seasons, I don’t think anyone expected Santander to finish third in MLB with 44 home runs. He was the second-best hitter in a talented Orioles lineup this year, and he’s set to cash in. He made $11.7 million in his final year under contract with the Orioles and should get a huge bump as he enters the offseason at just 29 years old as one of the top power bats available… With many contending teams needing power impact in their lineup (as we have seen this postseason), there’s reason to believe Santander will reach the $100 million mark and possibly even slightly beyond. Before this year, he would not have been near that level.”
As Evans alluded, $100 million seems to be a fair number. Baltimore will have to determine if they’re comfortable paying that, which will likely come down to how many years his contract is.
After fading out in the playoffs much quicker than expected over the past two campaigns, the Orioles would be making an interesting decision by not keeping and signing veterans like Santander.
This young team clearly isn’t ready for the bright lights, and while veterans could also struggle in the postseason, they’re often better performers when it matters most.
There will be other veterans on the market for a cheaper price, but this is one of those situation where the front office shouldn’t be cheap.
Santander is worth $100 million and they need his bat in the lineup moving forward.
