Orioles Star Free Agent’s Market Heating Up As Free Agency Begins

The Baltimore Orioles have built a majority of their roster through the MLB Draft and their prospects’ ensuing development. And the Orioles have built quite a powerhouse roster this way.

This offseason, the Orioles need to step away from their mold a little bit, or else they’re going to fall behind in the American League East. Baltimore has multiple key players entering free agency this winter.

One of those free agents, Anthony Santander, is already receiving a lot of interest from multiple teams around the league, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

“The Yankees checked in on Anthony Santander as well as Pete Alonso, but they are believed to be strictly backup plans in case Soto bolts,” Heyman wrote. “Santander has interest from eight teams following his big season.”

Santander, 30, slashed .235/.308/.506 with a career-high 44 home runs and 102 RBIs. The switch-hitting outfielder added 25 doubles and 91 runs scored as well. He was an integral piece to Baltimore’s success.

The interest around him will continue to grow. There are more teams that can afford Santander than some of the bigger talents on the market. For that reason, teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Washington Nationals, and other small-market teams should be considered potential landing spots.

Teams like the New York Yankees and the New York Mets should also be looked at as solid fits.

More MLB: 4 Most Likely Landing Spots For Diamondbacks Fan Favorite Christian Walker This Winter