Anthony Santander’s Contract Complicates Braves’ Pursuit of Outfield Help This Offseason
As the Atlanta Braves enter the final stretch of their offseason roster-building, a key target for outfield help, Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles, has become a focal point of their pursuit—though not without complications. The Braves, fresh off a dominant regular-season performance and a postseason that fell short of their ultimate goal, have made it clear that upgrading their outfield is a priority. However, Santander’s complex contractual situation has raised significant challenges in Atlanta’s pursuit of the slugger, threatening to derail what many viewed as a potential perfect fit for the Braves’ lineup.
**A Power-Hitting Outfielder in Demand**
Anthony Santander, 29, has been a consistent offensive force for the Orioles over the past several seasons. The Venezuelan-born outfielder is known for his power-hitting ability, having blasted 33 home runs in 2023, a season in which he also posted a solid .240 batting average and .797 OPS. Santander has emerged as one of the cornerstones of the Orioles’ offense, providing both middle-of-the-order power and an ability to produce runs, something the Braves’ front office has been actively seeking to complement their already potent lineup.
The Braves’ interest in Santander is understandable. While Atlanta boasts a dynamic outfield trio in Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and Eddie Rosario, the team has been looking for additional depth and a power bat to bolster the lineup further. With Rosario’s inconsistency and potential injury concerns, the Braves were keen on adding another reliable hitter capable of contributing both offensively and defensively in the outfield. Santander, with his power and experience, seemed like an ideal fit.
However, this potential trade is not without its hurdles.
**Complicated Contract Situation**
The primary complication in the Braves’ pursuit of Santander lies in his contract situation. Santander, entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, is poised to earn a significant raise over his 2023 salary of $8.4 million. This upcoming season, which will be the last year before he hits free agency, puts the Orioles in a position where they may look to either extend Santander or trade him to maximize his value.
For the Braves, the issue isn’t just the cost of acquiring Santander—it’s the long-term financial implications of adding a player whose salary is set to rise sharply. The Braves have been cautious in recent seasons about taking on long-term contracts that could limit their payroll flexibility in future years. With high-profile contracts for stars like Acuña, Austin Riley, and Matt Olson already on the books, adding Santander’s upcoming salary to the ledger could complicate the Braves’ financial flexibility moving forward, particularly with key players like Max Fried and Spencer Strider coming up for contract negotiations in the near future.
Additionally, the Orioles’ asking price for Santander has not been modest. Baltimore is reportedly seeking a package that includes top prospects or major league-ready talent in return for the slugger, further complicating the Braves’ pursuit. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has been known for his ability to make shrewd moves, but the Orioles’ demands for a player entering his final year of arbitration make this deal more difficult to navigate than the Braves might have anticipated.
**Baltimore’s Stance: Retaining or Trading Santander?**
As the offseason continues, Baltimore’s front office has been weighing its options with Santander. The Orioles are on the rise, coming off a 2023 season where they exceeded expectations and made a legitimate run for the postseason. With their young core, including breakout star Gunnar Henderson, and a promising pitching staff, Baltimore may not be keen on breaking up the team by trading away one of their most productive hitters.
If the Orioles choose to hold on to Santander for another season, it would mean the Braves would have to wait until next winter to explore the possibility of acquiring him through free agency. However, if Baltimore opts to trade Santander, the Braves will have to face competition from other teams, particularly those with more financial flexibility or a pressing need for a power-hitting outfielder.
The Orioles’ decision will likely depend on where they stand in terms of competing for a postseason berth in 2024. If Baltimore believes they are ready to make a deep playoff run, they may be reluctant to deal Santander. On the other hand, if the Orioles sense they are better served by stockpiling prospects and preparing for future seasons, a trade could be inevitable.
**Braves’ Alternatives: Other Outfield Targets**
Given the complexity of the Santander situation, the Braves have not put all their eggs in one basket. Atlanta has been linked to several other outfield targets this offseason, including free agents and trade candidates. With names like Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kevin Kiermaier of the Toronto Blue Jays available, the Braves could pivot to other outfielders if the Santander deal falls through.
Reynolds, in particular, is a name that has popped up frequently in trade rumors, and while his acquisition could come at a similar cost to Santander, Reynolds offers a more balanced skill set with an ability to get on base and play solid defense. Meanwhile, the Braves could also look at low-risk, high-reward players on the free-agent market, such as veterans who could provide depth while allowing the team to stay within their budget.
**The Road Ahead**
For the Braves, the next few weeks could be pivotal in shaping their 2024 roster. The pursuit of Santander is just one piece of a larger puzzle that involves balancing short-term improvement with long-term financial planning. Whether or not they can successfully navigate the complexities of his contract situation will determine how much the Braves are able to bolster their outfield depth heading into the new season.
Ultimately, the Braves’ ability to find the right outfield addition this offseason could make the difference between being a solid playoff team and a true World Series contender. The decision on Santander—and other potential outfield options—will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched storylines in Atlanta’s offseason.
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