Report: Orioles’ Chances of Re-Signing Anthony Santander Dwindle
The Baltimore Orioles, the only team that wouldn’t have to forfeit 2025 draft picks to sign Anthony Santander, appear to be lagging in the race for their long-time outfielder. According to Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital, Baltimore hasn’t made the highest—or possibly even the second-highest—offer for Santander, who has been with the Orioles since his MLB debut in 2017.
Gomez reported that the Toronto Blue Jays lead the chase for the Venezuelan slugger, offering a four-year, $82 million contract. Other contenders include the Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and the Orioles themselves. The Astros have emerged as a significant challenger to the Blue Jays, while the Angels have reportedly made a comparable offer.
The Blue Jays are a logical destination, seeking to bolster their offense alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette after missing out on Juan Soto. Meanwhile, the Astros, having traded Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, need to fill a key outfield vacancy. They recently strengthened their infield by signing Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal, even as Alex Bregman’s future with the team remains uncertain.
The Angels’ outfield is already crowded with Taylor Ward, Jo Adell, Mickey Moniak, and a returning Mike Trout. If they sign Santander, he could slot in as a designated hitter or Ward could be traded—a rumor circulating this offseason.
Santander, 30, is coming off a career-best season with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and a .235/.308/.506 slash line. Over his eight-year career with Baltimore, he has tallied 155 home runs and 435 RBIs.
Baltimore has already lost starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million deal with the Diamondbacks, leaving a hole in their rotation. While the Orioles have added pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano on a one-year, $13 million deal, as well as outfielder Tyler O’Neill and catcher Gary Sanchez, losing Santander would further weaken their roster.
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