Dodgers Rumors: LA in pursuit of questionable high-priced free agent

With the Los Angeles Dodgers having lost Juan Soto and dragging their feet on re-signing Teoscar Hernández, it only stands to reason that they might be looking at other options to fill their newly open spot in right field.

Mookie Betts is moving back to shortstop and Andy Pages is an option for the vacancy, but while the Dodgers proved even they have their limits during the Soto chase, there's still another, much cheaper option to upgrade the outfield.

Anthony Santander is the free agent market's No. 3 outfielder after Soto and Hernández. He put up similar offensive numbers to Hernández as the Orioles' everyday right fielder in 2024 (Santander hit .235 with a .814 OPS, Hernández .272/.840) and had a marginally better performance than Hernández on defense.

It's hard to figure out what the Dodgers' hold up with Hernández is when his asking price is just what everyone predicted (three years, $22-24 million a year). Santander is a few years younger, and predictions for his new contract are much more variable but still generally come out at a lower AAV.

The Dodgers are still trying to get a deal with Hernández over the line, but Mark Feinsand of MLB.com named LA as ones to watch in Santander's market as well.

Mark Feinsand names Dodgers as potential suitors in Anthony Santander market as Teoscar Hernández talks stall

The Athletic predicts six years and $142 million for Santander, Spotrac's got five years and $90 million, and MLB Trade Rumors has four years and $80 million, so it's a bit of a crapshoot. Again, it's hard to tell if the Dodgers are quibbling with Hernández's preferred years or salary, but if it's years and they're already hesitating on three, then there's no way they would go for a potential 4-6 for Santander.

However, if the hold up is money, then Santander is clearly the more affordable option. Those three predictions give him a $20-$23.67 million range, but it could be more like $21-22 million realistically, given that he turned down the $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Orioles.

There's also the issue of giving the Orioles an extra draft pick because he declined the QO, and Baltimore's track record of great picks could de-incentivize LA from giving them another pick, especially if he signs for over $50 million (which would give the Orioles a pick between the first round and Competitive Balance Round A).

The Dodgers could find themselves in a tricky situation with Santander, and Hernández is still the better option, but if talks slip more, then Santander may be their best bet.