The Baltimore Orioles are gearing up for an offseason filled with uncertainty and pivotal decisions.
Front and center of their concerns are two of their standout players: ace pitcher Corbin Burnes and power-hitting outfielder Anthony Santander, who are both poised to enter the free agency market. The potential departure of either or both stars looms large over Baltimore’s offseason strategy, yet there’s still a shot that the Orioles might make a play to retain them.
Santander, with his formidable presence at the plate, seems the more likely of the two to test free agency’s waters. Baltimore may hesitate to meet the lucrative contract demands he’s expected to command.
This opens the door for other teams, with the Texas Rangers emerging as a noteworthy suitor from the American League West.
There’s chatter suggesting that Santander’s power-hitting ability would complement the Rangers’ lineup perfectly, making him an ideal acquisition as they aim to strengthen their postseason ambitions for 2025.
In the 2024 MLB season, Santander showcased his slugging prowess by appearing in 155 games, smashing 44 home runs, and driving in 102 runs, all while carving out a .235/.308/.506 batting line.
While he may not be the most reliable hitter in terms of average, his knack for long balls and driving in runs is undeniable. It’s precisely this offensive firepower that Texas would find enticing as they seek to match the aggressive strategies of division rivals like the Astros and Mariners.
The coming offseason presents intriguing prospects. Will Santander don the Orioles’ uniform once more, or has he swung his last in Baltimore?
Should he depart, it leaves the Orioles with the formidable task of finding a bat that can match his power production. Only time will reveal the outcome, and fans across the league will be watching keenly as the narrative unfolds.
Mahomes’ decision to stay with the team could shift the balance of power within the division, potentially setting the stage for a thrilling 2025 MLB season.
