Chicago Cubs: 10 bats to target as MLB trade deadline looms

Chicago Cubs: 10 bats to target at the trade deadline: #10 – Anthony Santander

Earlier this weekend, I looked at 10 pitchers who could be trade deadline targets for the Chicago Cubs as they look to re-tool and avoid the lengthy rebuild we saw a decade ago. Now, let’s shift our attention to the lineup, where the team badly needs a change of pace.

First, let’s take a  look at the Baltimore Orioles –  as we know a few guys are likely available. Anthony Santander has been one of the bright spots in recent years on a team that has consistently found itself in the bottom of the standings of the AL East, with virtually no shot to even sniff a wild card spot. Santander is an outfielder who is currently batting .231/.280/.367 which is well down from batting .261 in each of the last two years.

Currently on the IL due to COVID protocols, Santander had a stone cold month of July batting just .189. Recently though he has gone 4-for-13 with two extra base hits and seems to be getting his groove back little by little. Every player has cold streaks from time to time.

So, while he is underperforming, it is time to strike while the iron is hot as he is not a free agent until 2025 and is only in his first year of arbitration this season. Santander makes sense as a solid, cost effective bat to add to the lineup.