5 backup outfield free agent options if the Phillies strike out on Juan Soto

If the Phillies miss out on the 26-year-old superstar, what alternative outfield options are available?

World Series - New York Yankees v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game 2
World Series - New York Yankees v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game 2 | Harry How/GettyImages
3 of 5

Anthony Santander

Another prime candidate that the Phillies should consider is former Baltimore Orioles star outfielder Anthony Santander. Signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela way back in 2011 by the then Cleveland Indians, Santander’s MLB career didn't take off until after joining the Orioles organization via the Rule 5 Draft ahead of the 2017 season.

It may have taken a while for him to develop, but he finally received regular playing time in the Orioles lineup from 2019 onwards and has not looked back.

Santander will never be known for hitting for a high batting average, but one thing is for sure: He has been consistent with his power and run production for the most part in his eight years in the majors to date. He has averaged 83 runs scored, 34 doubles, 34 home runs and 94 RBI per season over a 162-game schedule pace.

More importantly, Santander is actually coming off perhaps the best season of his career, setting personal bests in runs scored (91), home runs (44), RBI (102), walks (58) and total bases (301), en route to his first-ever All-Star appearance. With the ability to hit from both sides of the plate, he would give the Phillies some flexibility when setting their daily lineup to maximize its effectiveness according to specific matchups.

As for his defense in general, Santander isn’t going to win a Gold Glove Award any time soon, although he was a surprising finalist during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Nevertheless, he certainly plays a solid game in the field, leading to his career .989 fielding percentage while committing only 14 errors in 1,252 total chances over 5,007 total innings roaming the outfield. 

Having just turned 30 heading into free agency this offseason, he is entering his prime at just the right moment. With early predictions having Santander’s contract terms projected to be around five years with an annual salary just north of $20 million AAV, he would represent one of the more affordable options for the Phillies on this list. Added to the fact that he could break out even more when surrounded by Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, the Phillies lineup could get a lot more scary really quick.

Schedule