First, the Cincinnati Reds stated their intention to return to the top of the National League Central standings by bringing celebrated manager Terry Francona out of his one-year retirement. Now, the team is linked to one of the top bats to be available in free agency this winter.
According to a report from FanSided, the Reds will deliver their new manager a big bat for the middle of the lineup by acquiring impending free-agent slugger Anthony Santander.
Santander, whose eighth season with the Baltimore Orioles came to an end this week when his team was swept by the Kansas City Royals in the American League Wild Card round, is coming off a career year with the AL East contender.
The soon-to-be 30-year-old, who was playing on a 1-year, $11.7 million deal, is poised to hit the free agent market after belting 44 home runs with 102 RBI and a .235 batting average this season. He earned his first All-Star nod in 2024 as the biggest bat in a heavy-hitting Orioles lineup that was squelched by the Royals in the playoffs.
Santander has been a consistent power threat over eight seasons in Baltimore, but the 44 homers represent a marked uptick in power production for a slugger whose previous career best was 33 round-trippers in 2022.
Spotrac currently projects Santander to receive a contract north of $88 million over five years. With Baltimore flush with young talent to take Santander's spot in the lineup and with the Orioles likely laser-focused on retaining free agent ace Corbin Burnes, it is likely that Santander will be wearing a new uniform in 2025.
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