In a perfect world, the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros get exactly what they wanted. For the Orioles, it might be retaining Anthony Santander, and for the Astros, retaining Alex Bregman. But this isn’t a straightforward world. Hence, the chances of both of these players rejoining their previous team aren’t guaranteed, although Dana Brown, GM of the Astros, mentioned that for the Astros Bregman is the No. 1 priority. However, putting all eggs in a basket did no one any good.

Also, the Astros ended their impressive seven-year ALCS streak last season. Plus, they have key players along with Bregman, like Justin Verlander, nearing the end of his career. So, while they have talent and are not waiting for rebuilding, they need the right talent to keep the momentum going. Hence, if they can’t keep Bregman, they need someone else with Plan B to help bolster the team. ESPN’s David Schoenfield proposed one name—it’s Anthony Santander from the Orioles!

Astros’ Plan B if they fail to keep Alex Bregman

Alex Bregman is one of the most talked-about players in the baseball community after Juan Soto. It’s quite telling how important he is, and given that his agent is Scott Boras, it’s not surprising that his contract rate has increased to a whopping $200 million. And why not? He proved his worth time and again with the Astros. But as such, it’s become a huge question mark whether Houston should take the ask! But ESPN’s David Schoenfield proposed the team take a look at signer slugger Anthony Santander.

Anthony Santander had a career-best with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and an All-Star appearance. He could fill in the gap if Bregman indeed left. Schoenfield gave reasons: “The Astros will need to replace that offense and don’t have any strong internal candidates, plus the outfield is thin beyond Tucker (aside from when Yordan Alvarez plays left field, but it’s time to just make him the full-time DH). Santander would fit in nicely in left and in the middle of the Houston lineup.” Schoenfield suggested a three-year, $69 million deal for Houston. And it makes sense!

Anthony Santander has great stats! Even though he didn’t hit 40 homers, he averaged 35 home runs over the last few years. He can provide the offense the team needs. It’s a bold move but can inject new life into the team after a rather tough 2024 season. But they have competition here too.

The Mets might look to Santander if the Soto deal fizzles

Juan Soto, as we know, is what many teams, including the New York Mets, are thinking about. But if they miss out, they need other options, and according to MLB sportscaster Evan Roberts, Anthony Santander is the next best deal for the Mets. On the Rico Brogna podcast, Roberts mentioned two options for the Mets right field. One is Teoscar Hernandez, and the other he said, “The other guy is Anthony Santander.” And it makes sense!

Roberts mentioned that Santander is three years younger than Hernandez, a major advantage. Plus, he is also a switch hitter and is coming out of a rather phenomenal season with the Orioles. “I’m also hoping that Santander is going to build even more off of last year,” said Roberts. And even MLB analyst Keith Law thought highly of Santander. Law, however, did mention that Santander might be overpaid relative to his production.

Well, it remains to see what really happens, but for now, much of the free agency remains on what Juan Soto does. Where do you think he will end up? Let us know your thoughts!