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Baltimore Orioles: Have They Found the Perfect Replacement for Anthony Santander?

As the Baltimore Orioles continue to build on their recent success, they’ve been looking to solidify their roster for both the present and future. A major question on their minds revolves around the status of outfielder Anthony Santander, who has been one of the team’s most reliable hitters over the past few seasons. However, with the Orioles’ penchant for balancing development and talent acquisition, they might have already signed a player who could serve as the perfect replacement for Santander.

Santander has been a key figure in Baltimore’s outfield since making his MLB debut in 2017. His bat, particularly his power, has been one of the main offensive engines for a team that’s in the process of rebuilding. In 2023, Santander posted a strong .242/.325/.476 slash line with 33 home runs and 89 RBIs. His ability to hit for power, combined with his ability to play right field, has made him an integral part of the Orioles’ success over the last few seasons.

But, as is often the case in Major League Baseball, change is inevitable. The Orioles have a number of top prospects who are getting closer to MLB-ready, and with a competitive window opening, the franchise is looking to maximize its current roster while keeping an eye on the future. Santander is in the final stages of his current contract, which could make him a potential trade candidate as the Orioles look to both upgrade their roster and clear space for younger players.

Given this, the question on many minds is: has Baltimore already signed a player who could step into Santander’s role and even exceed his production? The answer might just lie in one of the team’s offseason acquisitions, a player who could fit the mold of a power-hitting outfielder—someone who can both contribute offensively and hold his own in the field.

The Need for a Santander Replacement

Before diving into the specific acquisition, it’s important to understand why Santander’s potential departure might be something the Orioles are preparing for. The first factor is his contract. Santander is currently under contract with Baltimore through 2025, and while he’s under control for the upcoming season, the Orioles may look to trade him before he reaches free agency, especially if they feel they have a better option ready to take his place.

Second, Santander’s age (he will be 30 in 2025) could play a role in the team’s decision-making. The Orioles have a solid mix of young talent on the roster and in the pipeline, and they may prefer to give one of their younger players a chance to shine in Santander’s spot. The team has been built with a focus on sustainability, and part of that vision is finding a long-term solution in the outfield—one that could provide a similar or even better level of production while being more cost-effective.

The final factor that might push the Orioles to move on from Santander is their organizational depth. The team has been developing a wealth of young talent, including outfielders such as Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad, and even the more experienced Austin Hays, who could take on a larger role. As the team seeks to remain competitive in a tough AL East division, balancing veteran presence with emerging talent will be key to long-term success.

With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at the potential replacement that could seamlessly fill Santander’s shoes.

The Acquisition: A Perfect Fit?

The Orioles’ signing of Aaron Hicks could prove to be the ideal solution to replacing Santander’s offensive production. While not as well-known as some other outfielders around the league, Hicks brings a wealth of experience and tools that could make him an excellent fit for the team’s needs.

Hicks, a switch-hitter with the ability to play all three outfield positions, could offer the Orioles a versatile and productive bat at the top or middle of their lineup. While his 2023 season with the New York Yankees was marred by injury and inconsistency, Hicks has shown in the past that he can be a valuable contributor to a team’s offense. His 2018 campaign, in which he posted a .248/.366/.475 line with 27 home runs and 79 RBIs, is a prime example of the type of production he’s capable of when healthy.

More importantly, Hicks has the potential to fill the role of a power-hitting, run-producing outfielder that the Orioles have grown accustomed to with Santander. If he can return to form, Hicks could offer similar power production from both sides of the plate while providing the team with much-needed flexibility in the field.

In addition to his bat, Hicks offers excellent defense. He has the speed and instincts to cover significant ground in the outfield, making him a potential upgrade defensively over Santander, who has had his moments but is generally regarded as a solid but not spectacular fielder. Hicks, on the other hand, has the range and ability to play center field if needed, giving the Orioles an extra layer of depth in their outfield alignment.

Hicks’ experience with playoff-caliber teams in New York also brings an element of leadership and postseason pedigree to a young Orioles squad that is on the rise. His veteran presence in the clubhouse and ability to handle the pressure of big games could prove invaluable as the Orioles look to compete for a postseason spot year after year.

The Similarities and Differences Between Santander and Hicks

When comparing Santander and Hicks, there are a few notable similarities and differences that could help determine how well Hicks could replace the longtime Oriole.

Similarities:

1. Power: Both players are capable of hitting for power. Santander has demonstrated 30+ home run potential in recent years, and Hicks has a career high of 27 home runs in a single season. Both can slug extra-base hits, which is crucial for a team that thrives on offensive fireworks.
2. Switch-Hitting Ability: Santander and Hicks both switch-hit, giving the Orioles added flexibility in their lineup construction. The ability to bat from both sides of the plate makes Hicks a matchup nightmare for opposing pitchers, much like Santander.
3. Outfield Versatility: Both players can handle right field with ease and can shift to other outfield positions when necessary. This allows the Orioles to experiment with their defensive alignment depending on matchups, injuries, or rest days.

Differences:

1. Defensive Skills: While both players are capable defenders, Hicks is regarded as the more rangy and athletic outfielder. His ability to cover center field could provide the Orioles with an upgrade in terms of defensive flexibility.
2. On-Base Skills: Hicks has historically been better at getting on base, as evidenced by his career .345 OBP, compared to Santander’s .325. Hicks’ ability to take walks and work counts could provide a more reliable presence at the top of the order, helping to set the table for the Orioles’ sluggers.
3. Injury History: One major difference between the two players is injury history. While Santander has generally been healthy throughout his career, Hicks has struggled with injuries in recent years, which could limit his overall production. This is an important factor to keep in mind as the Orioles rely on Hicks to stay healthy and perform at a high level.

The Future Outlook: Can Hicks Replace Santander?

Ultimately, the question remains: Can Aaron Hicks replace Anthony Santander? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. If Hicks can return to his pre-2023 form, he certainly has the potential to provide similar, if not better, production than Santander, especially given his on-base skills and defensive versatility. However, the Orioles will need to be cautious about Hicks’ injury history and the potential for inconsistency.

For the Orioles, the signing of Hicks gives them an experienced, versatile outfielder with potential power. Whether or not Hicks will reach the level of Santander in terms of overall production will depend on his health and performance in the coming seasons. But for now, Hicks appears to be the ideal candidate to step into Santander’s role, providing both value in the present and flexibility for the future.