The Baltimore Orioles are entering the offseason with two standout names on the free-agent market, Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, whose potential departures could significantly reshape their roster for 2025.

Fresh off a stellar 2024 campaign, Baltimore faces the challenge of possibly losing their top starting pitcher and leading home run hitter.

With Blake Snell already secured elsewhere, Burnes is now at the pinnacle of available starting pitchers, likely to attract plenty of interest from teams looking to bolster their rotations.

Meanwhile, Anthony Santander’s performance, particularly his career-high 44 home runs, positions him as the top slugger among free-agent position players.

His power at the plate will undoubtedly draw the attention of teams seeking to add some pop to their lineup.

However, the discussions around Santander are not without caution.

Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report has pointed out the risk factor surrounding Santander’s potential contract.

If Santander maintains his 2024 form, hitting around 35 home runs and driving in 90 runs, he would indeed be a valuable asset.

Nevertheless, there is the possibility that he regresses to a 25-home run hitter, coupled with concerns about his on-base percentage.

Kelly projects a five-year, $101 million deal for Santander. Any team other than the Orioles signing him would need to muster up draft compensation since he declined Baltimore’s qualifying offer.

Investing in a player peaking in their career year can be a risky move in free agency. While Santander might not replicate his 2024 home run tally of 44, his capability to consistently hit in the 30s over the next few seasons makes him appealing.

Yet for any prospective team, signing Santander as a marquee home run hitter leaves little room for error. If he fails to meet those high expectations, the deal might not pan out favorably.

Teams considering Santander would do well to assess his average power output over the past three seasons, rather than solely focusing on his 2024 peak.

While he presents as an alluring option for many lineups, ensuring the financial commitment aligns with realistic projections of his future performance is crucial.