The Baltimore Orioles have two key free agents this winter, Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander. In a perfect world, Baltimore is able to re-sign both stars. But, in a realistic world, the Orioles will miss out on both of them, opting to either trade for or sign other, cheaper replacements.
This would ultimately be a massive step backward for an Orioles team that has done nothing but trend up the last few seasons.
ESPN's David Schoenfield predicts the Orioles will lose both players. Schoenfield projects Santander to land a massive three-year, $69 million deal with the Houston Astros in free agency.
"The Astros will need to replace that offense and don't have any strong internal candidates, plus the outfield is thin beyond (Kyle) Tucker (aside from when Yordan Alvarez plays left field, but it's time to just make him the full-time DH)," Schoenfield wrote. "Santander would fit in nicely in left and in the middle of the Houston lineup."
Two things to unpack here.
The first is that the fit in Houston is perfect for Santander. He would be a great addition to the Astros lineup and if they can acquire him for less than $25 million a year, they absolutely should.
The second thing is the value on the deal. If the Orioles lose out on Santander, who would likely give Baltimore a hometown discount, on a three-year, $69 million deal, the Orioles deserve to take a step back. Baltimore should be able to match that contract at the very least.
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