The Philadelphia Phillies are a team with their sights set firmly on a championship in 2024. But what will they do if they don't get one?
After setting the world on fire in the first half of the season, the Phillies have come back to earth since the start of July. Though they have won four of their last five games, Philadelphia is 11-17 after the All-Star break, showing cracks in their previously impenetrable armor.
One of the primary disappointments of the Phillies' season has been the outfield. Veteran Nick Castellanos has regressed in his age-32 season, while Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas have both had extended slumps at various points during the season.
The Phillies tried to address their outfield issues by trading for former Baltimore Orioles left fielder Austin Hays, who got injured in just his 10th game with the team. But one writer believes to solidify the offense for 2025, the Phillies must look to an even bigger Orioles name.
Evan Massey of Sports Illustrated recently named Orioles All-Star right fielder Anthony Santander as a potential free-agent target for the Phillies this winter.
"There is a chance that Philadelphia may not want to spend huge money on an outfield bat. They may opt to use that money elsewhere," Massey said. "However, if they do want to pursue one, Santander could be an attainable target."
Adding Santander would plug a lot of holes in the Phillies' prospective 2025 offense. The switch-hitting outfield slugger is slashing .240/.308/.527 on the season, and his 36 home runs are second behind only the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge for the American League lead.
Still just 29, Santander has spent his entire eight-year career in Baltimore to this point. After playing on some truly awful teams, he's gotten used to playing in a pennant race the past two seasons with the Orioles. In Philadelphia, he'd be likely to be a part of several more.
Though Santander certainly could command a hefty payday, whatever he makes in free agency will likely pale in comparison to the contract of fellow free agent Juan Soto. That makes him something of a budget option, at least for big market teams, this winter.
There are lots of variables in play, as the Phillies wait to see how the rest of their season takes shape. But if they are looking for a source of added power, Santander is sitting there for them to grab.
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