Astros tabbed to go to $90 million for switch-hitting outfielder

The Houston Astros have made several moves this offseason to make up for the near-certain loss of third baseman Alex Bregman. 

Houston has made moves to make up for what it has lost/is losing this winter by acquiring third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs in the Tucker trade and signing first baseman Christian Walker away from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

However, the Astros could still use an outfielder with some pop. Lucky for them, a big name remains on the free-agent market that would fit the bill. 

Drew VonScio of Newsweek predicts that Houston will fill a massive remaining need by landing Anthony Santander on a contract in the region of $90 million.

MLB Insider Hector Gomez recently reported that the Toronto Blue Jays offered the slugger $82 million over four years. However, that proposal has been seemingly rebuffed as Santander remains available nearly two weeks later. 

Santander, whose eighth season with the Baltimore Orioles came to an end when the Kansas City Royals swept his team in the American League Wild Card round, is coming off a career year with the AL East contender.

The recent 30-year-old, who was playing on a 1-year, $11.7 million deal, is poised to hit the free agent market after belting 44 home runs with 102 RBI and a .235 batting average this season. He earned his first All-Star nod in 2024 as the biggest bat in a heavy-hitting Orioles lineup that the Royals squelched in the playoffs.

VonScio notes that while Santander is valued at $88 million over a five-year deal, that number is likely to inch closer to $100 million as teams become more desperate as spring training draws near.

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