Baltimore Orioles Star Seen As Potential Trade Target

Certain trades include upgrading. Meeting needs is the goal of some trades.

Opening up space for additional talent is the goal of some moves, and Anthony Santander might be heading there this offseason.

There is an abundance of talent in the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles, most of it is young and under team control.

Heston Kjerstad and Colton Cowser, two of baseball’s top outfield prospects, are both from Baltimore. Both are controlled by their teams and will not be eligible for arbitration for some time.

Austin Hays, a left fielder who is also eligible for arbitration a second time, is another player that the Orioles have. With 16 home runs and 67 RBI, he batted.275. Additionally, 2021 All-Star centre fielder Cedric Mullins batted.233 with 15 home runs and 74 RBI, but he also had a 30-home run season. There are still two seasons of arbitration left for him.

Santander is currently on his last arbitration year. $14 million might be his share of the arbitrator’s award. He might possibly be signed to an extension by the Orioles.

Or, the Orioles could try and trade him.

The Athletic recently highlighted 10 players that could be dealt this offseason, and Santander made the list.

While it’s easy to see why Santander might look ready to deal, the Athletic points out there is some uneasiness in the organization about it:

His name keeps being brought up in trade talks by teams that are looking for more offense. The Orioles are loaded with young outfielders and could afford to trade Santander if they can get the right starting pitcher back in the deal. However, he’s also an important cog in the clubhouse, so the front office is hesitant to move him.