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Juan Soto is the most coveted free agent in baseball this off-season and as such, is expected to command as much as $600 million. The New York Yankees would love to have him back, especially after his superb play at the plate helped guide the Bronx Bombers back to the World Series for the first time since 2009.
With so many teams coming after him, though, there is no guarantee the Yankees can get the deal done, which begs the question: where does the team turn if they cannot convince Soto to run in back in pinstripes next season?
The answer is clearer than one might think.
Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Yankees have interest in switch-hitter Anthony Santander of the rival Baltimore Orioles. While he may not have the name value of Soto, Santander is coming off of an exceptional season at the plate in which he delivered 140 hits, 102 RBI, 91 runs, and 44 home runs.
His fielding percentage in right field was .993, one of the highest of his career.
He did not produce the number of hits or RBI as Soto this past season, but was four better in terms of home runs and was arguably a better defensive player than his peer.
While he will not receive the hype, pomp, and circumstance that Soto will, Santander is ever bit the quality addition that the 26-year-old will be, without a price tag that could handcuff a franchise for the next seven years.
The Yankees could conceivably get a deal done with Santander (valued at five years, $96 million by Spotrac), then turn around and potentially add Alex Bregman of the Astros at third base or upgrade their rotation with a quality starter, all for the same price that Soto would have cost them.
Should the Bronx Bombers try for their All-Star and the guy who helped them claim their first American League pennant in over a decade?
Absolutely, but if he is not willing to sign, turning their attention elsewhere and taking a great clubhouse fit like Santander, who was the heart and soul of the Orioles franchise throughout his career, would be a consolation prize that every single team in MLB would love to have available to them.
That he is a game-changing slugger who can take any pitcher deep out of the park, only makes him that much more appealing to a team that leaves and breathes on the long ball.