Should the Cleveland Guardians pursue Anthony Santander’s return?
The year is 2016, and there is an interesting switch-hitting outfield prospect in Cleveland’s minor league organization. He was left unprotected ahead of the Rule 5 Draft and was taken by the Baltimore Orioles in a deal that mostly went unnoticed at the time. Anthony Santander is the player in question. Should the Cleveland Guardians try to re-sign the guy they let go after seven years in the majors and entering his final year of arbitration?
Santander was recently listed on MLB Trade Rumors as a possible trade candidate due to his final arbitration-eligible year and a projected salary of $12.7 million. While the Marlins have been suggested as a possible suitor for his services, the Guardians should also put their hat in the ring.
Last year, Cleveland’s lineup suffered in two areas: outfield production and overall power. Fortunately, Santander can assist in both areas. Over the last five seasons, the soon-to-be 29-year-old has hit 110 home runs and slashed.251/.310/.468. This includes the shortened 2020 season as well as seasons in which he did not play more than 111 games twice. However, Santander has played in 305 games over the last two seasons, hitting 61 home runs and driving in 184 runs. Adding something like this to the Guardians lineup would relieve burden on Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor to be the primary offensive drivers.
The expected salary indicated above may appear to be a non-starter given Cleveland’s history of penny-pinching, but everyone is aware that they must spend money if they are to challenge the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central next season. Furthermore, the front office could attempt to make a few significant acquisitions, similar to what they did when Terry Francona arrived all those years ago. Santander’s reacquisition might be one of several measures made by the organization to put their next manager in the ideal position to start his first season on the right foot.
