Anthony Santander isn’t the Orioles’ greatest participant—that title belongs to Gunnar Henderson. Neither is he their chief—that’s Adley Rutschman’s position.
However that does not diminish his significance to the crew.
Santander embodies one thing deeper, a connection to the franchise that nobody else on the roster can declare. He’s been a continuing presence by means of Baltimore’s darkest days, weathering back-to-back 100-loss seasons in 2018-19, and now he’s thriving because the Orioles emerge as perennial contenders.
Santander’s journey with the Orioles has been one in all regular contribution and resilience. He wasn’t a headline grabber when Baltimore snagged him within the 2016 Rule 5 Draft. A bit of-known prospect from Venezuela, he wasn’t anticipated to turn into a cornerstone of the franchise. But, by means of consistency and willpower, Santander has made his mark.
In 2019, as Baltimore launched into a grueling rebuild, Santander hinted at his potential by hitting 20 dwelling runs and posting a .773 OPS in simply 93 video games. It was a glimpse of what he might carry to a crew in transition.
Quick ahead to 2022, and Santander continued solidifying his position, delivering a 2.3 bWAR season, which he adopted with a 3.0 bWAR in 2023. In 2024, his first season as an All-Star, he’s posted a 2.6 bWAR, a testomony to his rising influence.
Santander might not be a defensive wizard, however his bat has supplied the spark the Orioles want at essential moments. On Friday evening in opposition to the Houston Astros, down 5-2 within the eighth inning, Santander electrified Camden Yards with a go-ahead grand slam.
