The San Francisco Giants are slipping in the standings and are unlikely to reach the postseason in 2024. They have fallen to eight games back in the National League Wild Card race and now have a record of 71-73.
However, they are a team that could look to spend some big money on top talent in free agency this coming winter. They have struggled to sign top-level free agents in recent years, with Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, and Shohei Ohtani being some notable examples.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report expects San Francisco to be one of the most aggressive teams in free agency and listed a promising slugger from the Baltimore Orioles as a potential fit.
"It's been suggested that the Giants might be in on Juan Soto, but we'll believe that when we see it, given their high-profile free agency misses in recent years," Miller wrote. "But they could spend a lot of money on an Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez and/or Ha-Seong Kim."
Santander is enjoying a breakout season with the Orioles just in time for free agency. He is hitting .241 with 40 home runs, 94 RBI, and an .826 OPS.
The 29-year-old might not have the same type of market as somebody like Soto, but he would certainly help the Giants out if they are to sign him. He'd have a great impact on a lineup that desperately needs a power threat, even after the team gave Matt Chapman a six-year, $151 million contract extension.
Santander would give the Giants just what they need as they try to bounce back into contention in 2025. The team has not reached the postseason since their surprise 107-win season in 2021, but Santander could get them closer to accomplishing that.
His market will certainly be an interesting one to watch, and it will be fascinating to see how it develops and if the Giants are one of the teams that shows interest in them.
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