Perfect Fit: Cincinnati Reds Should Bolster Their Lineup By Signing This Veteran in Free Agency
Santander would improve the Reds outfield dramatically
Sep 20, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander (25) runs to the dugout after the top of the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander (25) runs to the dugout after the top of the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
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The Cincinnati Reds need outfield help. I will say this every day until they add someone of note.
There are a few additions that would shut me up. Anthony Santander is at or near the top of that list.
The Reds struggled with the long ball last year: 18 teams hit more homers than them. When you have a home ballpark who many consider to be a launching pad, that is unacceptable.
Santander hit 44 homers in 2024 and has hit 105 homers across the last three seasons. In fact, only Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge hit more home runs than Santander last year.
He is 30 years old which makes him a few years younger than another free agent option, Teoscar Hernandez. He played primarily right field in 2024 but also saw time at first base.
Santander would slot in naturally as the Reds cleanup hitter and the rest of the lineup would come together swimmingly. This could move Tyler Stephenson to the fifth spot, Spencer Steer to the sixth, and presumably have Matt McLain (3rd) and Elly De La Cruz (2nd) in front of him.
Santander is reportedly looking for a five-year deal. The Reds should make him a 5-year, $100 million offer today. He’d be a great fit in Cincinnati.
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