With only five weeks left in the 2024 MLB regular season, the focus is shifting to the playoffs and offseason. The Philadelphia Phillies’ postseason performance will affect how they plan to enhance their roster this winter.
Since July, the team’s core group has been in a funk. The trade deadline is intended to add players to an established and effective roster. The front office passed up opportunities to sign players who have been doing admirably since joining their new teams.
If Philadelphia fails to win a World Series and exits the playoffs early, such as in the NL Wild Card or Divisional Series, there may be implications that lead to squad and coaching staff changes this winter. It will resemble further deterioration after the club unexpectedly advanced to the 2022 World Series.
The Phillies’ outfield has been inconsistent offensively throughout the season. If the team does not make a long playoff run and struggles to hit consistently in the postseason, expect the front staff to make adjustments this offseason.
Phillies picked as a fit for slugging free agent outfielder Anthony Santander this offseason
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand authored an article rating the league’s top ten free agents in 2025. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander is ranked sixth. The Phillies are one of three teams Feinsand mentions as potential suitors for Santander.
According to Feinsand, the Orioles have multiple young outfielders, making Santander’s departure this offseason more plausible. This year marked the first time the Margarita, Venezuela native was named to the All-Star team.
With a career-high 38 home runs this season, he matches the pattern of a traditional power hitter, similar to Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Santander has a slash line of.235/.302/.519 in 126 games. Despite his power, he has recorded 100 or more strikeouts in each of the last three seasons, with 105 in 2024.
Throughout his eight-year major league career, Santander has primarily played right field, all with the Orioles. He has played 489 games at this position, including 130 as a designated hitter, 90 in left field, 24 in center, and 12 at first.
Santander brings a veteran, power-heavy approach to the plate
Santander just hit a grand slam in the late innings of the Orioles’ game against the Astros on August 23, giving Baltimore the lead and sealing the victory. According to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde praised Santander’s calmness after the grand slam.
“It was really exciting, and the stadium was probably the loudest it’s been this year,” Hyde told Kubatko. “In certain moments, we as a club have tried to do way too much and attempt to get the big hit, and Tony has a lot of confidence because of his experience and doesn’t allow the game get too fast for him. So he can take good at-bats in those kind of scenarios.”
If the Phillies sign Santander this winter, fans should expect plenty of home runs and strikeouts from the 29-year-old outfielder. He has a career-high 41 doubles in 2023. His 95 RBI last year were also the most in his career to date.
This year, the power hitter has 86 RBI and is on track to establish a career best for the second straight season.
The fans have become accustomed to seeing lots of home runs and punchouts from Philly’s lineup. Aside from his offensive shortcomings, Santander appears to be a good fit at Citizens Bank Park.
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