The New York Yankees are gearing up for a major financial push this offseason, aiming to outbid the competition and secure superstar outfielder Juan Soto. As one of the wealthiest teams in baseball, the Yankees have the financial capacity to re-sign Soto, if necessary.
However, keeping the 25-year-old phenom in the Bronx is no sure thing, as other big-market teams like the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox are also in the hunt for Soto. Despite the fierce competition, the Yankees are prepared to do whatever it takes to lock him down, making him their top priority this winter.
However, in the event that the Yankees fail to secure Soto, they are also eyeing other big-name sluggers as potential backup options. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have reportedly expressed interest in Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander.
The 30-year-old left-handed hitter has enjoyed a solid career with the Orioles, and his power-oriented bat could thrive in Yankee Stadium, particularly with his ability to hit to right field. Santander would be a logical fit for the Yankees as they look to add another power hitter to their lineup.
Heyman further notes that Santander is viewed as a contingency plan for the Yankees if they fail to land Soto, putting the Yankees in a similar position to the Mets, who are also looking to add significant talent to their outfield. One risk for both teams is that Santander could sign with another club before the market for Soto fully develops. Given the high demand for Soto, it could take time to finalize his decision, and if Santander is scooped up by another team in the meantime, the Yankees and Mets may find themselves missing out on both players.
Santander’s resume speaks for itself: he has posted a .246 batting average with 316 extra-base hits, 155 home runs, 435 RBIs, and a .776 OPS across eight seasons with the Orioles. His projected market value is approximately $97 million over a five-year deal, equating to an average annual value of around $19 million, according to Spotrac.
With the bidding war for Soto likely to be highly competitive, the Yankees may find themselves facing a tough challenge from the Mets, who are led by owner Steven Cohen, known for his willingness to spend whatever it takes to build a championship-caliber team.
Ultimately, while Juan Soto remains the Yankees’ top target, acquiring Santander as a fallback option could still provide them with a valuable bat and a much-needed power presence in the lineup. The Yankees will have to navigate a complex and competitive market this offseason, and if they are unable to secure Soto, landing Santander could prove to be a wise move to strengthen their roster.
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