Anthony Santander Free Agency Rumors: Nationals eye Orioles slugger as high-profile target
Anthony Santander is in the middle of a monstrous season. Through 129 games, the slugger has hit .236/.305/.54 with a career-high 38 home runs and 86 RBIs.
He is set to become a free agent following the season's end and is making a strong case to be one of the highest-profile free agents in the class. Some teams have already been linked to the 2024 All-Star, per Sports Illustrated's Evan Massey via Bleacher Report.
"The Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals, Mets, and Giants all make sense as suitors for Santander, who should aim to top the five-year, $100 million Nick Castellanos signed with the Phillies before the 2022 season" - said Bleacher Report.
Multiple teams seems like a great fit for Santander, but the Nationals stick out here. They have been rebuilding smart, and have the opportunity to spend money next offseason to improve.
They are missing at least another slugger in their lineup, and Santander would work well in the middle of their lineup. His 38 home runs this season have him ranked third in all of baseball.
Anthony Santander and the Baltimore Orioles have yet to have extension talks
Anthony Santander and the Baltimore Orioles have yet to have contract extension talks. While he has been great for the club, they have a young core they settle on and let Santander walk following the season.
If Santander were to become a free agent, he would likely have more than the five teams mentioned above after him. At 29 years old, he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
Santander still has a month of the regular season to keep increasing his stock. The Washington Nationals will not be the only team keeping a close on the sluggers over the next few weeks.