Yankees and Mets could be in contention for Anthony Santander as a backup plan for Juan Soto

Both the New York Yankees and New York Mets are known to be courting Juan Soto. Where could they turn if he decided to leave the Big Apple? Baltimore Orioles slugger Anthony Santander could be part of any club’s backup plan.

Santander has chosen the perfect time for a career year. The switch-hitter was named an All-Star for the first time, won his first Silver Slugger Award and finished 14th in voting for the American League MVP Award in 2024. He also set new career highs in OPS (.814), home runs (44), RBI (102) and runs scored (91).

Since the 30-year-old plays primarily in the outfield, it makes most sense to wait until Soto decides his future. Once that happens, teams who missed out could immediately turn to Santander as a Plan B. With the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox doing their best to sign Soto, that could lead to the Yankees and Mets looking elsewhere for offense.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer ranked MLB’s top free agents ahead of next week’s Winter Meetings. He ranked Santander eighth overall and named the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals as potential candidates for the slugger.

“Santander is tied to draft pick compensation after turning down a qualifying offer from the Baltimore Orioles, but that likely won’t affect his earning power,” Rymer wrote. “Forecasts for him are trending toward $20 million per year, with B/R’s Tim Kelly putting $101 million over five years.”

Based on Spotrac’s estimated five-year market value of just under $89 million, this contract would be a slight overpayment. However, should there be a bidding war between major teams who missed out on Soto, there is a real chance that Santander’s next contract could reach nine figures.

More MLB: Dodgers’ $69 million All-Star slugger expected to leave for NL Central team