The Philadelphia Phillies could be seeking more pop from their outfield.

Among a roster studded with veteran sluggers like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, the 2024 season’s outfield was largely viewed as an offensive weak spot. A carousel of Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, Weston Wilson and deadline trade addition Ausin Hays were unable to get it going from the plate.

But there are some intriguing free-agent options that would instantly add another fearsome bat to the Phillies’ order. And a poll of more than 50 voters from MLB.com has given Philadelphia a slight edge to land one of the most productive outfield sluggers on the market.

The Phillies were predicted as the most likely landing spot for Baltimore Orioles right-fielder Anthony Santander as he comes off of an All-Star season with 44 home runs, 102 RBI and a .235/.308/.506 slash line. The Phillies netted 17% of the votes while the Kansas City Royals earned 12% and the New York Yankees earned 10%.

“Santander, who turned 30 in October, is coming off a huge year for the O’s,” MLB.com added. “He set career highs in home runs (44), RBIs (102), runs (91) and OPS (.814) while also earning his first career All-Star nod. And while 2024 was certainly the peak so far for Santander, he’s still averaged 35 home runs and 95 RBIs per season over the past three years.”

Given his strong season, Santander is in line for a significant long-term contract this winter. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman projected that he’ll earn a five-year, $100 million deal. But if the Phillies are willing to commit that kind of salary, he would instantly solve one of their few roster questions from 2024. 

Adding Santander would also give the Phillies more confidence in moving away from Marsh, Rojas or one of their other outfielders from last season. The team seems interested in making some significant roster moves, with President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski saying the front office is more “open-minded than we have been in other years,” per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.

Based on MLB.com’s poll results, it seems the field of Santander suitors is relatively open, though the Phillies did earn the overall prediction. If that proves to be accurate, it could just be the start of several outfield moves in Philadelphia.