Greg Fiume/Getty Photos
Juan Soto is probably the most coveted free agent in baseball this low season and as such, is predicted to command as a lot as $600 million. The New York Yankees would like to have him again, particularly after his very good play on the plate helped information the Bronx Bombers again to the World Sequence for the primary time since 2009.
With so many groups coming after him, although, there isn’t any assure the Yankees can get the deal executed, which begs the query: the place does the crew flip if they can not persuade Soto to run in again in pinstripes subsequent season?
The reply is clearer than one may suppose.
Jon Heyman of The New York Put up reported that the Yankees have curiosity in switch-hitter Anthony Santander of the rival Baltimore Orioles. Whereas he could not have the identify worth of Soto, Santander is coming off of an distinctive season on the plate during which he delivered 140 hits, 102 RBI, 91 runs, and 44 residence runs.
His fielding proportion in proper area was .993, one of many highest of his profession.
He didn’t produce the variety of hits or RBI as Soto this previous season, however was 4 higher by way of residence runs and was arguably a greater defensive participant than his peer.
Whereas he won’t obtain the hype, pomp, and circumstance that Soto will, Santander is ever bit the standard addition that the 26-year-old will probably be, and not using a price ticket that would handcuff a franchise for the subsequent seven years.
The Yankees might conceivably get a deal executed with Santander (valued at 5 years, $96 million by Spotrac), then flip round and doubtlessly add Alex Bregman of the Astros at third base or improve their rotation with a top quality starter, all for a similar worth that Soto would have price them.
Ought to the Bronx Bombers attempt for his or her All-Star and the man who helped them declare their first American League pennant in over a decade?
Completely, but when he isn’t keen to signal, turning their consideration elsewhere and taking a terrific clubhouse match like Santander, who was the center and soul of the Orioles franchise all through his profession, could be a comfort prize that each single crew in MLB would like to have out there to them.
That he’s a game-changing slugger who can take any pitcher deep out of the park, solely makes him that rather more interesting to a crew that leaves and breathes on the lengthy ball.
