Anthony Santander remains in the American League East, but he will either stay in Baltimore or move to Boston.
Santander is close to signing a free agent contract with the Blue Jays, according to multiple reports Monday. Once the power outfielder passes his medical in Toronto, he will sign a five-year contract worth “more than $90 million,” according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The 30-year-old was widely expected to enjoy a pricey long-term contract shortly after Juan Soto joined the New York Mets in early December. The Red Sox were rumored to have “strong interest” in Santander after losing the Soto sweepstakes, but the buzz seemed to diminish as the offseason wore on. Boston, however, still needs to address its “top priority”: a hard-hitting right-handed bat.
Santander’s free agency lasted longer than expected. Not only did he not reach a deal immediately after Soto’s decision, but the 2024 All-Star also lingered on the open market for about three weeks after fellow teammate Teoscar Hernández reconnected with the Dodgers Los Angeles.
The reported deal with the Blue Jays wasn’t terribly surprising, as Toronto was effectively begging a top free agent to take their money this offseason. The Red Sox will see a lot of Santander over the next five years, and time will tell if Boston made the right decision to lighten its pursuit of him.
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