The Boston Red Sox were reportedly very interested in signing Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández this offseason. However, the right-handed slugger ended up agreeing to a three-year deal with the Dodgers.
With Hernández off the table, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander seems to be the best alternative. Christopher Kline of FanSided recently predicted that the Red Sox might target the division rival’s power-hitting outfielder in free agency.
“If the Red Sox are in the market for a right-handed, home-run-hitting outfielder, Anthony Santander is an excellent option,” Kline wrote. “Although he’s a switch hitter, which adds valuable matchup flexibility, the 30-year-old shares some exciting similarities with Hernández. Plus, he’s a few years younger and comes from Boston’s own division.
“This move would also deal a blow to the Orioles, who essentially replaced Santander with former Boston slugger Tyler O’Neill. The irony is hard to ignore. Santander wrapped up the 2024 season with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and an .814 OPS for the second-place Orioles.”
Santander showcased impressive power in 2024, which could be even more impactful at Fenway Park. His switch-hitting ability would provide lineup versatility, allowing him to alternate between designated hitter and outfield roles. This would be particularly useful if the Red Sox could find a way to trade Masataka Yoshida and his contract this winter.
While Boston doesn’t necessarily need another outfielder, adding Santander would be a luxury move. It could also open the door for the team to trade one of their current outfielders to bolster other areas of the roster.
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