As the New York Mets continue to shape their roster for the 2024 season and beyond, a question is beginning to percolate among fans and analysts: Could Anthony Santander, the Baltimore Orioles’ dynamic outfielder, become a potential target for the Mets? With a clear need to strengthen their offense and outfield depth, the idea of acquiring Santander is an intriguing proposition that could make a lot of sense for both the Mets and the Orioles.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential fit of Anthony Santander on the Mets, what he would bring to the table, the trade scenario that could make this deal happen, and the broader implications for the Mets’ lineup and future outlook.
### Who Is Anthony Santander?
Before diving into the specifics of a potential trade, it’s important to first understand who Anthony Santander is as a player and why he has garnered attention as a possible target for a team like the Mets.
Santander, a 28-year-old switch-hitting outfielder, has been a key player for the Orioles since making his major league debut in 2017. He’s known for his powerful bat and ability to drive in runs, providing a consistent offensive threat in the middle of the Orioles’ lineup. Santander’s breakout year came in 2019, when he hit 20 home runs and batted .261, and since then, he has continued to show his power and potential, becoming one of the team’s most reliable hitters.
In 2023, Santander put up strong numbers once again, hitting 33 home runs with 89 RBIs and an OPS of .819. His combination of power, patience at the plate, and ability to hit for extra bases makes him a valuable asset to any team, and his switch-hitting ability adds versatility to his profile. Defensively, Santander is no slouch either, typically manning right field, where his arm strength and solid defensive metrics make him a steady presence.
While Santander isn’t necessarily a superstar like some of the biggest names in the game, he’s a proven, well-rounded hitter who would provide an instant upgrade to most major league lineups. For a Mets team looking to boost its offensive output in 2024, particularly in the outfield, Santander could be a perfect fit.
### The Mets’ Need for Offensive Power and Outfield Depth
The New York Mets enter the 2024 offseason facing a number of critical roster decisions, but one thing is abundantly clear: they need more offensive power, especially in the outfield. The Mets’ offense in 2023 was inconsistent, with the team ranking 18th in the league in home runs and struggling to produce runs on a regular basis. This lack of power, particularly from the outfield, was a glaring weakness that ultimately led to their early playoff exit.
While the Mets’ infield is largely set with stars like Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil, their outfield production has been a point of concern. Starling Marte, who was once a key offensive contributor, has shown signs of decline and dealt with injuries in recent seasons. Mark Canha and Tommy Pham, while solid contributors, are not necessarily long-term solutions, and the Mets have yet to find a consistent, middle-of-the-order bat in the outfield.
Santander, with his proven power and ability to drive in runs, could be exactly what the Mets need. His ability to hit for both average and power would give the team a much-needed presence in the middle of the lineup, especially in a division as competitive as the NL East, where teams like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies have explosive offenses. Adding Santander’s right-handed power to the lineup could help balance the Mets’ offense, especially in a park like Citi Field, which is more favorable to right-handed hitters.
Moreover, Santander’s defensive abilities could also improve the Mets’ overall outfield defense. While he’s not a Gold Glove-caliber defender, his arm and range in right field would provide stability to an outfield that has often been inconsistent in recent years.
### The Trade Scenario: What Could the Mets Offer?
As with any trade target, the big question is what the Mets would need to give up in order to acquire Santander. The Orioles, who are coming off an impressive 2023 season and are positioning themselves as an emerging contender in the American League, are unlikely to part with Santander unless they receive significant value in return.
The Mets have several trade assets they could offer Baltimore, including top prospects, young players, or potentially even major league-ready talent. Let’s break down some potential trade scenarios:
**1. Prospects for Santander:**
The most likely avenue for the Mets to acquire Santander is through a trade involving top prospects. The Mets have an impressive farm system, though it has been somewhat depleted by past trades for players like Francisco Lindor and Chris Bassitt. However, there are still valuable prospects in the system, particularly pitchers like Blade Tidwell, Jett Williams, and Drew Gilbert, who could intrigue the Orioles.
Given that Santander has one more year left on his contract before reaching free agency (he’s signed through 2024), the Mets may not need to give up a top-tier prospect, but the Orioles would certainly want to receive value in return for one of their key hitters. A trade package involving a combination of a top pitching prospect, a position player, and perhaps a secondary prospect could be a fair starting point.
**2. Major League Talent in Return:**
While prospects are the most obvious piece to a trade, the Mets could also consider offering major league-ready talent in exchange for Santander. One potential option could be moving an outfielder like Mark Canha, who has experience in the outfield and would offer the Orioles an experienced bat and depth. However, Canha’s performance in recent seasons and his contract might make him a less appealing option, and the Mets would likely need to include other assets alongside him to make the trade more enticing.
**3. A Potential Sign-and-Trade Deal:**
Another option, though less likely, could involve a sign-and-trade deal. If the Mets are unable to work out a trade agreement with the Orioles during the offseason, they could explore the possibility of signing Santander to a multi-year deal as a free agent and then sending some of their own players or prospects to Baltimore as part of the transaction. This type of deal would allow the Mets to secure a long-term piece while simultaneously addressing their outfield need.
### Why Would the Orioles Move Santander?
The Orioles, who have been in a rebuild mode for several years but have turned the corner with a young, talented core in 2023, may not be eager to move Santander unless the return is substantial. That said, there are a few reasons why the Orioles might consider parting with him.
**1. Contract Year:**
Santander is entering the final year of his contract in 2024, and the Orioles may decide that it’s better to move him now and acquire assets before he potentially walks in free agency. While the Orioles could choose to extend Santander, they might prefer to keep their payroll flexible, especially given the rise of other young players who could soon need contracts (like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson).
**2. Reallocation of Resources:**
The Orioles have a promising group of outfield prospects and might want to reallocate their resources toward building around their young stars. Trading Santander could free up money and roster spots for younger players like Colton Cowser or Heston Kjerstad, who may be ready to make an impact in the majors.
**3. Contingency Planning:**
While the Orioles are a playoff-contending team, they might view Santander as an expendable piece if they can acquire young, cost-controlled players to help strengthen their roster. With an influx of talent from their farm system, Baltimore could be in a position to move an established player to build for the future.
### Conclusion: Could Santander Be a Met in 2024?
The idea of Anthony Santander joining the Mets is certainly intriguing. With a clear need for more offensive firepower and a solid outfield presence, the Mets could certainly benefit from his switch-hitting power, RBI production, and defensive capabilities. From the Orioles’ perspective, while it might be tough to part with a player like Santander, the right trade package could make it worthwhile, especially with Santander entering the final year of his contract.
Whether through prospects, a major league player swap, or a creative trade scenario, the Mets have the potential to make this move happen if they determine Santander is the right fit for their roster. As the offseason heats up, all eyes will be on whether the Mets can land the power bat they need, and if Santander becomes available, he could be the perfect player to help power their offense into 2024 and beyond.