Red Sox, Blue Jays Called Top Fits For $100 Million 44-Homer Slugger

Will the Red Sox sign the slugger this offseason?
Mar 11, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA;  A detailed view of Baltimore Orioles baseball hats and gloves in the dugout during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Mar 11, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; A detailed view of Baltimore Orioles baseball hats and gloves in the dugout during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox are one or two offensive pieces away from being considered among the top contenders in the American League.

Boston has the pitching to make some noise next year and is filled with young, All-Star-level talent. The Red Sox have exciting, young players like Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, and Tanner Houck and now already have added Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler to the team. Boston is building a team that can sustain winning for years thanks to its young core.

But, now, they need to add more offense. Boston still is lefty-heavy and lost its best right-handed hitter from 2024 in Tyler O'Neill. The Red Sox have been linked to players like Alex Bregman and Teoscar Hernández this offseason, but there are other options out there as well.

Former Baltimore Orioles slugger Anthony Santander hit 44 home runs last season and still is available. The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that he's looking to top $100 million in free agency and the Toronto Blue Jays currently are the favorite for him, but Boston is an option as well.

"Anthony Santander," Heyman said. "Power hitters, even good ones like Santander, are one constituency not getting their due yet. Understandably, he’s been looking to crack $100M. The Jays are nearly everyone’s best guess, followed by Boston."

Santander is two years younger than Hernández and had a better season than him in 2024. The former Orioles slugger launched 44 home runs and drove in 102 runs while earning his first All-Star nod. A deal worth $100 million seems like a lot, but maybe Boston will surprise us.

More MLB: Why Red Sox Chose Walker Buehler Over Blockbuster Luis Castillo Trade


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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu