Cubs Could Shock the Baseball World, Sign $88 Million Outfielder
January 4, 2025
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The Chicago Cubs have an opportunity to build on their 83 wins from 2024.
After adding Matthew Boyd earlier in the offseason, the Cubs now need to focus on getting bats to round out the lineup. They have a handful of hitters known for getting on base, but there isn’t anyone known for crushing home runs after trading away Cody Bellinger.
They can change that, though, by going out and signing one of the top outfielders on the market.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 07: Anthony Santander #25 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of Game One of the American League Division Series against the Texas… BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 07: Anthony Santander #25 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of Game One of the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on October 07, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Greg Fiume/Getty Images
Anthony Santander is coming off of his best season yet with the Baltimore Orioles. He hit 44 home runs and recorded 102 RBI. It’s the third straight season for Santander hitting 25 or more home runs and posting 85 RBI or more.
Baseball Savant shows Santander was in the 79th percentile for barrel percentage and recorded a 41.6% hard-hit percentage. It also shows the ballpark factor, and the National League Central presented the highest average of home runs among all six MLB divisions at 37.8.
Defensively, Santander has a strong arm but isn’t the best in terms of positioning and range. It’s something the Cubs would need to work on with him, but it’s a gamble they should take if he can hit at least 35 home runs.
The $88 million contract he is projected to receive is over the course of five years and presents an average annual value of $17.7 million.
Kyle Tucker hasn’t played left field since 2022, but he posted three Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in that season with the Astros. If the Cubs opt to not move Tucker away from right field, Santander would be the perfect fit as a designated hitter and allow them to trade Seiya Suzuki.
More MLB: Orioles Sign Free Agent All-Star to $15 Million Contract
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