Phillies linked to 44-homer superstar in possible blockbuster signing by insider

The Philadelphia Phillies lost much of their luster last season. It’s time to bring it back.

After back-to-back deep postseason runs in 2022 and 2023, the Phillies were quickly eliminated from this year’s playoffs by the hated New York Mets. The Phillies’ roster has remained largely unchanged throughout their run of success, but now appears to be long overdue for an upgrade.

The key problem area for the Phillies this year was the outfield, which lacked an All-Star unlike every other Phils position group. Philadelphia needs an outfielder who can hit consistently and provide platoon flexibility so the defense doesn’t suffer in certain matchups.

Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles certainly fits the bill, and the Phillies are already mentioned in the same sentence as the slugger. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand recently ranked the Phillies as one of Santander’s top three prospects. in pre-free agency.

“Santander has been a solid player for several years, but he has chosen the right time to have a career-best season. Playing in the All-Star Game for the first time this year, Santander set career highs with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs while his . The .814 OPS was his highest in a 162-game season,” Feinsand said.

“As much as he means to the Orioles, Santander will likely end up elsewhere as Baltimore has plenty of young outfield talent and a number of clubs will be looking for a power-hitting corner outfielder.”

Feinsand also named the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Guardians as intriguing candidates for Santander. Meanwhile, MLB Trade Rumors recently projected a four-year, $80 million contract for the 30-year-old star.

Having a power hitter to complement the middle of the order will breathe new life into the Phillies’ offense. Other hitters fit Philadelphia, but aside from superstar Juan Soto, Santander may have the biggest potential impact in the Phillies’ championship run.

More MLB: The Phillies unexpectedly predicted that he would get the three-time Cy Young winner on a $16 million contract.