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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 excellent 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 is no such thing as a assure the Yankees can get the deal completed, which begs the query: the place does the group flip if they can’t persuade Soto to run in again in pinstripes subsequent season?
The reply is clearer than one would possibly suppose.
Jon Heyman of The New York Publish reported that the Yankees have curiosity in switch-hitter Anthony Santander of the rival Baltimore Orioles. Whereas he might not have the identify worth of Soto, Santander is coming off of an distinctive season on the plate through which he delivered 140 hits, 102 RBI, 91 runs, and 44 dwelling runs.
His fielding share in proper discipline 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 dwelling runs and was arguably a greater defensive participant than his peer.
Whereas he is not going to obtain the hype, pomp, and circumstance that Soto will, Santander is ever bit the standard addition that the 26-year-old shall be, with out a price ticket that might handcuff a franchise for the following seven years.
The Yankees might conceivably get a deal completed 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 value 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’s not keen to signal, turning their consideration elsewhere and taking an incredible clubhouse match like Santander, who was the guts and soul of the Orioles franchise all through his profession, could be a comfort prize that each single group in MLB would like to have accessible 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 group that leaves and breathes on the lengthy ball.
