Anthony Santander
Anthony Santander has improved some offensive numbers with the Orioles over the last few years. After finishing with 18 home runs in 110 games during 2021, the free agent outfielder totaled 33 the following season in 152 contests.
In 2023, the 30-year-old posted 28 home runs in 153 contests. During Santander's contract year, he finished with a career-high 44 homers. His RBI total has gradually increased since he compiled 50 in 2021. The Margarita, Venezuela, native finished with 89 in 2022, 95 last season, and a career-high 102 this year.
Santander's OPS has increased every season since 2021. He finished with a .719 OPS three years ago, .773 in 2022, .797 during last season, and .814 in 2024. The free agent represents the kind of hitter that would thrive at Citizens Bank Park based on his power numbers over the last few seasons.
However, he has finished with 100+ strikeouts each of the previous four years. Does Santander's high strikeout numbers detract from his appeal to the Phillies? Yes, if the club wants to reduce the number of hitters that chase pitches out of the strike zone in its lineup.
Santander has been fairly durable — missing 10 contests in 2022, nine the following year, and seven this season. The total amount of games played this year represents a career-high for him. His ability as a switch-hitter can come in handy. Phillies manager Rob Thomson would not need to sit him based on pitching matchups as he can hit against both left- and right-handers.
The free agent has played right field the most in his career, with 514 appearances. Santander has played in 90 games in left and 24 in center. The Phillies could utilize his ability to play at first base if Bryce Harper gets injured or needs a day of rest. The eight-year veteran has played in 13 games at first over his career. He was the Orioles' designated hitter for 134 games. If Schwarber gets injured, he would be another option for Thomson to use in the DH spot.
Santander could be a good fit for the Phillies, especially batting at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. However, does Philadelphia already have enough of the kind of batter with his skill set? It should give the front office pause if they do not want to make more similar additions to its lineup.