The Baltimore Orioles are the only team that would not have to surrender 2025 draft picks as compensation for signing Anthony Santander. The free agent outfielder has spent his entire major league career — since 2017 — in Baltimore.
Yet according to a new report from Z101 Digital's Hector Gomez, the Orioles don't have the top offer out to Santander, and maybe not the second-highest offer either.
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"#Astros are the biggest threats for the #BlueJays in Anthony Santander sweepstakes while #Angels have offered similar offer than the Jays," Gomez wrote Thursday on Twitter/X.
Gomez reported Wednesday the Blue Jays were frontrunners to sign the Venezuelan outfielder with a four-year, $82 million offer, while the Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles "have also shown interest."
The Blue Jays are an obvious fit. They're looking to upgrade a lineup around anchors Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette after falling short in the sweepstakes to sign outfielder Juan Soto.
The Astros, meanwhile, have an opening in the outfield after trading Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for two infielders — Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith — and pitcher Hayden Wesneski. Signing first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million gives Houston a potent infield even if free agent Alex Bregman does not re-sign as expected.
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The Angels' outfield is somewhat crowded. In addition to retaining the starting trio of Taylor Ward, Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak, they're welcoming back three-time MVP Mike Trout, who missed most of last season with knee injuries. It's possible the Angels would use Santander as a designated hitter or trade Ward — a rumor that has persisted throughout the winter.
Santander, 30, has 155 home runs and 435 RBIs over the last eight seasons, all with Baltimore. Last season he finished with a career-high 44 home runs and 102 RBIs to go along with a a .235/.308/.506 slash line.
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Baltimore has already let its marquee free agent walk in the last week. Starting pitcher Corbin Burnes surprisingly agreed to terms with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a six-year, $210 million contract Friday, leaving a gap atop the O's starting rotation.
Baltimore previously signed free agent Tomoyuki Sugano, a veteran of 12 seasons in Japan's top league, to a one-year, $13 million contract. They also signed outfielder Tyler O'Neill and backup catcher Gary Sanchez.
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