Red Sox Predicted to Steal Yankees’ Ideal $100 Million Juan Soto Replacement

Last Monday, the Boston Red Sox made their first major move of the offseason, trading for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. This also stopped the New York Yankees from signing the southpaw. Could they once again outbid the Bombers for free agent slugger Anthony Santander? Now that outfielder Juan Soto has signed with the New York Mets, the Yankees are looking for a replacement in the lineup.

The Bombers have reportedly expressed interest in Santander. The 30-year-old switch-hitter is well-known to them, having spent the last eight years with the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. Santander enjoyed a career season in 2024.

He was chosen an All-Star for the first time and won his first Silver Slugger Award after hitting 44 home runs, 102 RBI, and 91 runs scored, with an OPS of.814. A return to Baltimore does not appear likely after the Orioles signed outfielder Tyler O’Neill to a three-year contract. Could he avoid the Bronx and land in Boston? Michael Brakebill of FanSided predicts that this will happen.

“Boston still needs another starter to round out its strong rotation, but they also need an outfielder. Anthony Santander, a switch-hitter, “feels perfect for hitting balls over the Green Monster or wrapping them around the pesky pole,” Brakebill noted.

 

 

“He blasted 44 homers in 2024 and given his price range and Baltimore signing O’Neill, Santander will find a new home this winter.” Spotrac anticipates a five-year, $89 million contract with Santander. However, now that teams that passed on Soto are showing interest, his next contract might be worth nine figures. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report predicts that Santander will sign a $100 million guarantee.