Report: 2 "Frontrunners" Revealed For Anthony Santander

Anthony Santander has become one of the most coveted free agents this offseason, with the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays emerging as the leading contenders for the slugger. 

After a career-best 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles, Santander’s market value has skyrocketed. The 30-year-old outfielder posted 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and earned his first All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award, making him a prime target for teams seeking a power bat. 

While the Orioles extended a qualifying offer and the Detroit Tigers expressed interest, industry insiders believe Santander’s next destination will be either Toronto or Los Angeles, with his contract expected to land between $88 and $100 million.

If the Angels are ACTUALLY front runners for Anthony Santander, that’s a move Angels fans should be pumped about

Aside from the obvious 44 HRs last year, he’s been a consistently productive offensive player 4 of the last 5 seasons

Would love his bat in our order

— Jake (@D1SCHER) December 30, 2024

For the Blue Jays, Santander represents a critical piece to retool their offense following the losses of Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernández earlier this offseason. 

Pairing him with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would not only bring balance to the lineup but also provide consistent power in a highly competitive AL East. 

"We’re focused on improving our lineup’s depth and production, and Santander offers that in spades," said a team insider. Santander’s ability to deliver steady run production over the past three seasons makes him an ideal addition for a Blue Jays team aiming to return to postseason contention.

Blue Jays are “frontrunners” for Anthony Santander, along with… the LA Angels.

It would be beyond embarrassing if the Jays can’t lock this one down.

Presented by @betwaycanada #BetTheResponsibleWay #BetwayCanada 19+, ON Only. pic.twitter.com/qMw3ZtHJcG

— Blue Jays Today (@TodayJays) December 30, 2024

The Angels are equally aggressive in their pursuit of Santander, as they look to overhaul the roster after a last-place finish in the AL West. 

The Angels, who have already added Yusei Kikuchi, Jorge Soler, and Kyle Hendricks this offseason, are keen on landing another difference-maker. 

“We want to get better, deeper, and more competitive,” Minasian said at the Winter Meetings. 

Santander’s power and switch-hitting ability would address a big need for the Angels, who appear ready to break from their traditionally cautious spending to secure the slugger’s services.

Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images