MLB insider connects former Orioles' star outfielder to hated division rival

We're barely a week into the official MLB offseason and rumors are swirling everywhere. The Orioles have been connected to a number of free agents, including outfielder Teoscar Hernandez and lefty Max Fried.

While Mike Elias has mentioned multiple times that the Orioles are open to bringing either of Anthony Santander or Corbin Burnes back on the right deal, nothing looks imminent on that front. However, MLB insider Jon Morosi of MLB.com has an inkling that Santander might wind up in a pretty undesirable location for Orioles fans.

The Yankees and Gerrit Cole decided to stick together, avoiding a potentially messy split in free agency. And while they're seen as the favorites to land star outfielder Juan Soto this winter, it's possible that they'll find an alternative way to replace his production.

Morosi indicated on Friday afternoon that if the Yankees miss out on Soto, they could potentially pivot and spend big on multiple free agents rather than dump their entire budget into one player. Morosi said that Santander could be part of that mix, along with shortstop Willy Adames and first baseman Christian Walker.

There's apparently a chance that Anthony Santander could wind up with the New York Yankees

On paper, it almost makes sense. Santander is a switch hitter but he performed much better from the left side of the plate in 2024. Part of that is because the cavernous left field at Camden Yards does such a good job suppressing right handed power. But Santander is also just naturally strong from the left side of the plate.

If Santander were to take that power to Yankee Stadium, with the short porch in right field, there's a good chance that he'd absolutely rake there. Santander hit 44 homers last year. According to Statcast, he was projected to hit just 37 while playing his home games at Camden Yards. His expected homers at Yankee Stadium was 40, tied for third most among all major league parks.

Needless to say that Santander would be a strong addition for that Yankees lineup, which would be a nightmare for Orioles fans. Santander has become such a fan favorite in Baltimore and many of us want to see him return to the O's this winter.

Watching Santander leave is going to be one thing. But if he winds up with a division rival like the Yankees, that's going to be really difficult. If he isn't coming back to Baltimore, it'd be nice if he at least went somewhere that we could root for him. For now, we'll have to just wait and hope this rumor doesn't come true.