Padres Stun MLB with Blockbuster Signing: Anthony Santander Joins Friars

BREAKING: The San Diego Padres have made a splash in the free agent market by inking a deal with outfielder Anthony Santander. Sources close to Fax Sports confirm the agreement, which will see Santander don the Padres' uniform for the next four years in a contract worth $135 million.

Santander, known for his powerful bat and solid outfield play, expressed his new team affiliation with a simple yet poignant statement: "Orioles." Perhaps a nod to his past or a look towards his future with the Padres.

"Gotta start the new year right," Santander's agent commented, hinting at the strategic timing of the deal.

The move has already stirred reactions across the baseball world. Padres fans on X (formerly Twitter) are over the moon:

• @DonOrsillo: "Santander in the outfield? That's Christmas come early! #PadresUp"

• @SimplyAJ10: "From the Orioles to the Padres, let's go! This is the upgrade we needed. #FriarFaithful"

• @thestevenwoods: "Santander's bat is going to light up Petco Park. Can't wait for the season! #Padres"

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles organization seems to be grappling with the loss of one of their key players:

• @editti22: "Tough to see Santander go. He was a cornerstone for us. #Orioles"

• @CarlRipkenJr: "Wishing Santander all the best with the Padres, but it's a sad day for Orioles fans. #OrioleMagic"

Making matters worse for Baltimore is the fact the Orioles have already been eliminated for the 2025 postseason. The defining blow came when former ace Corbin Burnes signed with the Diamondbacks.

On the other hand, the Padres players are looking forward to welcoming their new teammate. In a rather candid reaction, Manny Machado didn't hold back his feelings about the rivalry with the Dodgers:

• "F-ck the Dodgers," Machado stated, likely referring to the Padres' ongoing competition with Los Angeles. "Who's got the better lineup now?"

This move not only bolsters the Padres' lineup but also sends a message to their rivals. As the baseball world gears up for the new year, all eyes will be on how this acquisition impacts the Padres' performance in the upcoming season.