With the MLB free agency heating up, the Boston Red Sox have joined the race for outfielder Anthony Santander, a player drawing significant interest from key competitors including the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com. This intense pursuit comes on the heels of all three clubs falling short in their attempts to acquire superstar Juan Soto.

While Soto was the crown jewel of this winter's free-agent outfield market, with a skill set that sets him apart, the next tier of available talent features players like Santander, Teoscar Hernández, Jurickson Profar, Tyler O'Neill, and Michael Conforto. With Soto and several others now off the market, it's no surprise that teams are shifting their focus to Santander, who has consistently demonstrated his power at the plate.

Santander, a 30-year-old switch-hitter, has averaged at least 28 home runs over the past three seasons, reaching a remarkable 44 in the most recent campaign. His performance has contributed to a robust total of 105 home runs over the 2022-2024 seasons. With a solid .244/.317/.478 batting line during that stretch, he boasts a 124 wRC+, making him 24% better than league average. His strikeout and walk rates are middling, but his prowess with the bat cannot be overstated.

What makes Santander especially appealing is his versatility as a switch-hitter, meaning he can be beneficial against both left and right-handed pitchers without significant platoon splits. This offers teams flexibility in how they configure their lineups. Despite his power and offensive consistency, concerns linger regarding his defensive capabilities. He's recorded disappointing grades, including -3 Defensive Runs Saved and -13 Outs Above Average throughout his career. The Red Sox have also noted Santander's limited experience at first base—potentially another option for him should they choose to proceed with a deal.

For the Red Sox, adding Santander could be transformative, especially considering their current outfield landscape. The team is already populated with promising talents like Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu, who are both left-handed hitters with notable challenges when facing righties. This positional imbalance could be offset by Santander's right-handed bat, helping stabilize the lineup.

Furthermore, prospects like Ceddanne Rafaela and Roman Anthony are also in the mix, but Rafaela is more of a glove-first option and Anthony's inexperience could pose a challenge as he continues his development. The Red Sox might consider moving Rafael Devers to another position to make room for a third baseman, likely demanding tricky roster decisions if they want to incorporate Santander.

The Red Sox appear poised to be aggressive this offseason, looking to strengthen both their rotation and lineup. Reports indicate that they are even open to surpassing the luxury tax if an enticing opportunity arises. Currently, their projected payroll stands at $181 million against a luxury tax threshold of $241 million, presenting them with considerable flexibility.

As for the competition, both the Yankees and Blue Jays are positioned to pivot towards addressing their needs after missing out on Soto. For the Yankees, Santander could fill a significant gap left by Soto, joining established players like Aaron Judge. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays, who are navigating injury concerns with key player Daulton Varsho, may also find Santander a valuable addition to their roster.

In summary, the pursuit of Santander highlights the Red Sox's long-term strategy: reinforcing their lineup while navigating the complexities of an active trade and free agency market. Fans should keep an eye on upcoming developments as the front office looks to secure impactful signings that could reshape the team's future!