Anthony Santander endured a lot of losing early in his career. From his major league debut in 2017 through the end of the 2021 season, Baltimore finished last in the AL East standings, with the exception of the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
But the Orioles’ 2016 Rule 5 Draft selection has come out on the other side, now contributing as a veteran leader for a young, energetic squad that’s reinvigorated fans across the city. Santander, 29, is viewed by many as a clubhouse leader and an integral part of the culture for manager Brandon Hyde.
Santander is grateful for the opportunity to play every day as a young player on the major league club, as it helped him learn through his mistakes while the Orioles grew in their rebuild. He mentions players like Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins and John Means as teammates alongside him who were able to grow together during those trying times.
“We learned from those hard moments,” Santander said on Glenn Clark Radio June 27. “When we lost 100 games it’s tough [when] we show up to the field. But now these younger guys have a lot of talent, the combination with us that we have our little bit of experience, it’s great. Now we’re coming to the field with an expectation to win every single day.”
With the Orioles fighting for the top spot in the AL East and Santander playing well himself, the outfielder has a chance to accomplish a feat every player dreams of: being selected to an MLB All Star Game.
Santander advanced to the second phase of voting after placing among the top five American League outfielders in the fan vote. Aaron Judge earned the top fan vote spot and already locked up one outfielder position, leaving two remaining. Santander is competing with Juan Soto, Steven Kwan and Kyle Tucker for the two slots.
If Santander, who’s third in the AL in home runs with 22, doesn’t claim one of the two remaining starting spots, he’d still have a chance to be selected as a reserve. Either way, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound outfielder is hopeful he can make the cut.
“I’ve been working really hard in my career in the minor leagues, early in the big leagues,” he said. “It’s really been a hard journey. I just feel proud. I would like to go. My family will be proud all the time, too, the closer friends — they know how hard I’ve worked. … If God gives me the opportunity, I will be so happy and grateful.”
Santander began the season in a rut. He hit .211/.291/.421 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs in 51 games across April and May. But in the month of June, a switch flipped for Santander, who hit .264/.314/.646 in 28 games. Santander also smashed 13 homers in the month, more than he had in April and May combined, to go along with 26 RBIs.
Santander recognizes it’s a long season and he’s bound to have ups and downs. He credits his uptick in production to being on time with the fastball.
“When you feel like that, everything is working together,” Santander said. “Your body is feeling good, you’re seeing the ball good. They can throw you any pitch and you still got a chance to smash it because you really feel great.”
For the season, Santander is hitting .234/.302/.503 with 22 homers and 56 RBIs. With his slump officially broken, it’s a good bet that Santander’s numbers will continue to improve. He is on pace to surpass his career-high total of 33 homers, just as he is scheduled to hit free agency.
And as far as the team goes, Santander believes the Orioles are ready to win a World Series. He credited young players like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Grayson Rodriguez and Ryan Mountcastle along with veterans like Corbin Burnes and Craig Kimbrel for allowing them to compete at such a high level.
“That’s a combination that can take you to the World Series,” Santander said.
For more from Santander, listen to the full interview here:
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