Could Baltimore Orioles Look to Trade Powerful Slugger This Offseason?

As he enters his final year of arbitration eligibility. could the Baltimore Orioles look to trade slugger Anthony Santander this offseason?

The Baltimore Orioles won an American League-best 101 games this season but were unceremoniously bounced in the ALDS by the Texas Rangers.

As the O's look to move forward this offseason and re-position themselves for a run in 2024, there are already rumors swirling about the future of Anthony Santander.

Per an article from MLBTradeRumors:

Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander has been a frequent target of trade speculation throughout his career as a reliable, quality outfield bat throughout the club’s rebuild. Though Baltimore broke through this season with a 101-win campaign that took them to the postseason for the first time since 2016, it appears rumors surrounding Santander will persist into his final offseason of arbitration eligibility. 

MASN’s Roch Kubatko suggests that given Santander’s hefty expected salary in 2024 (MLBTR’s Matt Swartz projects him to earn $12.7MM in his final trip through arbitration), Santander could be a topic of trade talks again this offseason. Kubatko goes on to note the Marlins as a team that’s had particular interest in his services in the past. 

The Marlins certainly need to upgrade their offense and power as a whole for 2024, especially if Jorge Soler bolts this offseason. Seattle is a team that also needs to upgrade offensively, especially if Teoscar Hernandez leaves in free agency.

Santander had another powerful year in 2023 for Baltimore, hitting 28 homers and bringing in 95. He hit .257 over 591 at-bats as well. Lifetime, the 28-year-old is a .248 hitter with 111 homers.

He hit a career-high 33 homers in 2022.

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