A Short-Term Reunion Between the Orioles and Anthony Santander: Would It Make Sense?

The Baltimore Orioles are one of the most promising young teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), with an exciting core that is poised to compete at a high level for years to come. However, as with any team in a competitive league, roster management and player decisions are crucial for both short-term and long-term success. One player who has been a key contributor to the Orioles’ success in recent seasons is outfielder Anthony Santander. As the team looks to strengthen its roster heading into the 2025 season and beyond, the question arises: does a short-term reunion with Santander make sense?

This piece will explore whether a reunion between the Orioles and Santander, even on a short-term deal, could be a wise decision for the team, considering both the current state of the roster and Santander’s individual performance metrics.

Background on Anthony Santander

Anthony Santander is a Venezuelan-born outfielder who was originally signed by the Cleveland Indians (now Cleveland Guardians) in 2011 before being traded to the Orioles in 2016. Since making his MLB debut with the Orioles in 2017, Santander has been a mainstay in their lineup, establishing himself as a reliable power hitter. Over the course of his Orioles career, Santander has been known for his ability to hit for power, with regular double-digit home run totals, and has shown solid defensive ability in the outfield.

While Santander’s defense has occasionally been criticized, particularly for his arm strength, his bat has generally been his calling card. His home run numbers and run-producing ability have made him a key part of the Orioles’ offense. As of the 2024 season, Santander has established himself as one of the team’s most important players and one of the few consistent veterans in an otherwise youthful lineup.

His career numbers show steady production, with some peaks in home runs and RBIs, making him a valuable trade asset or a key piece in the Orioles’ future plans. However, there are a few factors that may play into the team’s decision regarding a reunion, especially with the Orioles looking to build for the future.

Current State of the Orioles’ Roster

The Orioles’ roster heading into the 2025 season looks strong, particularly in terms of their younger players. The team boasts an exciting mix of emerging talent in the lineup, including Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Grayson Rodriguez, among others. These young players have already shown flashes of brilliance and should only improve as they gain more experience.

Additionally, the Orioles’ farm system remains one of the best in baseball, providing the team with a wealth of talent in the pipeline. The organization’s success in developing young talent has led many to believe that the team is on the verge of something special, with a strong chance of becoming a perennial contender in the coming years.

With this foundation in place, the Orioles will likely focus on continuing their development and balancing the need for veteran leadership and stability with the desire to stay competitive in the present. This raises the question: would re-signing Santander, who is entering the latter part of his career, make sense in this context?

Offensive Needs

One of the Orioles’ biggest strengths in 2024 was their offense, with several young players contributing significantly. However, there are areas where the team could still benefit from further depth and improvement. While Rutschman and Henderson anchor the lineup, the team’s outfield was inconsistent in terms of production last season, particularly from the corner positions.

Santander, if re-signed, could provide a steady presence in the outfield. He offers reliable power from the right side of the plate, which would complement the Orioles’ left-handed hitters. His home run potential, along with his ability to drive in runs, could provide the team with the veteran presence that could help balance out the youth in the lineup. Moreover, his relatively low strikeout rate compared to other power hitters could be valuable in maintaining a consistent offensive attack.

Defensive Considerations

Defensively, Santander has not been known as a standout outfielder, particularly in terms of his arm strength. In the past, he has shown some inconsistency, especially when positioned in right field. While his bat remains his most valuable asset, the Orioles are likely to prioritize defense, particularly with their young pitching staff on the rise. However, Santander is still capable of playing decent defense, and his bat likely outweighs his defensive shortcomings, especially in a short-term role.

If the Orioles feel that they have enough defensive depth in the outfield—whether through the emergence of other players or a potential offseason signing—bringing Santander back could be a worthwhile move for his offensive contributions. Given that the team has a number of versatile players in the outfield, Santander could also serve in a more limited role or platoon arrangement that mitigates his defensive shortcomings.

Financial Impact and Contract Considerations

One of the most significant factors in any potential reunion would be the financial commitment involved. Santander is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, and while his numbers have remained relatively steady, he is not likely to command a long-term, high-value deal given his age and defensive limitations. From a financial standpoint, the Orioles could likely secure Santander on a short-term contract, potentially for 1–2 years, at a reasonable salary. This would allow them to maintain payroll flexibility while benefiting from his offensive production.

This type of contract would be particularly valuable if the Orioles are seeking to add a veteran presence without sacrificing their long-term financial flexibility. It would also give the team a chance to assess their outfield depth further and make a more long-term commitment to other players when the time is right.

In this scenario, Santander could provide stability without blocking the path of younger players like Heston Kjerstad, Colton Cowser, or other prospects who might be ready for the major leagues. The Orioles could explore Santander’s value for another season or two before making any significant decisions about their outfield depth.

Trade Market and Potential Alternatives

While a reunion with Santander would be a solid short-term option for the Orioles, the team may have other options to address their outfield situation. One consideration would be to explore the trade market for an outfielder with a similar skill set or more advanced defensive abilities. The Orioles could explore deals for players who might be available through trades, particularly those whose value is driven by their defense or more well-rounded offensive numbers.

Additionally, the free-agent market might offer other viable options. Depending on the team’s needs and financial flexibility, there may be other outfielders who are better fits for the Orioles in the long term. However, given Santander’s familiarity with the team and the relatively low cost of a short-term deal, re-signing him could be a smart move for the Orioles as they evaluate their options.