Anthony Santander's free agency has lasted longer than expected
If the Red Sox want Anthony Santander, they might be able to sign him for less than originally anticipated.
Santander and fellow power-hitting outfielder Teoscar Hernández both were expected to fetch big-money deals quickly after Juan Soto made his free agency decision. But Soto agreed to join the New York Mets on Dec. 8, and well over a week after that verdict, Santander and Hernández were each still without new deals.
In a column published Tuesday, The Atheltic's Ken Rosenthal offered insight into why Santander still is lingering on the open market. Rosenthal highlighted the slugger's mediocre on-base percentage and below-average defense, which often are overshadowed by Santander's game-changing power.
However, those shortcomings potentially could lead to a diminished price on the 30-year-old's eventual contract.
"Santander, who is seeking a longer deal than Hernández, according to sources familiar with each player's expectations, still figures to do well," Rosenthal wrote. "But if teams view him as even somewhat one-dimensional, he could end up with a lesser deal than he desires."
The Red Sox, who reportedly showed "strong interest" in Santander after missing out on Soto, potentially could be less concerned about the 2024 All-Star's weak points than any other interested clubs. If signed, Santander probably would play left field in Boston, one of the more advantageous spots for an outfielder in all of baseball.
That said, the Red Sox might be more interested in Hernández, who's a little better defensively and has outstanding offensive numbers at Fenway Park.