The Baltimore Orioles will prepare for a key offseason this winter, as the franchise hopes to continue building on its recent success.

In 2024, the Orioles were able to make the playoffs as a Wild Card team, but were unfortunately eliminated in a sweep against the Kansas City Royals.

Baltimore has suffered numerous injuries this season, which has limited its playoff potential. Now, they will enter the offseason with two of their top 2024 players as free agents.

Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander will both hit free agency, as the Orioles know they will have to sit out this winter. Of the two free agents, it’s more likely that Baltimore prioritizes retaining Burnes, as they have a few options that could replace some of their star outfielder’s production.

However, if the Orioles lose Santander, it will be a big blow for a team that was counting on its power.

In free agency, the slugger should be highly sought after as one of the best power hitters in free agency. There has been a lot of speculation about where he might land, and Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report recently named the San Diego Padres as the worst possible landing spot.

“Santander may not be the best target for a Padres team that also plays its home games in a park that does not favor offense. With Jackson Merrill in center field and Fernando Tatis Jr. in right field, the Padres will have a hole to fill in left field if Jurickson Profar leaves for greener pastures. However, given his more well-rounded skill set and likely a more reasonable asking price, re-signing Profar might be the best move for San Diego.

The Padres had a great 2024 season, as they managed to play five games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series. San Diego came up a bit short, as its offense disappeared in the last two games of the series.

Even though the offense has underperformed in the last two games of the season, splurging on Santander probably isn’t the smartest move for them. The Padres have a well-balanced offense, but in a pitcher’s park like Petco Field, having someone who counts on home runs probably isn’t the best plan.

While the Padres may not be a good landing spot, there should be plenty of suitors for Santander this winter.