Toronto Blue Jays Sign Anthony Santander to Major Contract
In a significant move for the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed outfielder Anthony Santander to a five-year contract valued at over $90 million, according to CBS Sports HQ’s Jim Bowden. The deal includes a club option for a sixth year that could raise the total contract value to $110 million. Santander has the opportunity to opt out after the third year, unless the Blue Jays choose to activate their option, effectively preventing the opt-out.
This signing marks a notable departure from the Blue Jays’ recent offseason efforts, which have largely been characterized by unsuccessful pursuits of other high-profile players. Notably, the team failed to secure deals with pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, as well as slugger Juan Soto, among others. The Blue Jays had also made a run at Shohei Ohtani during the previous offseason, but to no avail.
A Boost to the Blue Jays Lineup
The addition of Santander, who hit a career-high 44 home runs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, comes as a welcome relief for the Blue Jays, who struggled with offensive power last season, ranking 26th in the league for home runs. Santander’s strong performance places him among the top power hitters in baseball, with only Aaron Judge (58 home runs) and Ohtani (54 home runs) surpassing him in 2024.
Santander, now 30, is known for his offensive prowess but has faced scrutiny for his defense. While he achieved a .308 on-base percentage last season, there are concerns regarding his overall defensive capabilities, which some analysts believe may have muted interest from other teams during free agency. R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports ranked Santander as the 15th-best free agent this offseason, noting his unique skill set as a switch-hitter who can make consistent contact while maintaining a strikeout rate below 20%.
Impact on Blue Jays’ Strategy
The Blue Jays’ lineup is poised for change, with Santander expected to take the role of a cleanup hitter, slotting effectively behind star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. This strategic shift aims to revitalize a Blue Jays team that finished the 2024 season with a disappointing record of 74-88 and failed to make the postseason.
Currently, the American League appears to present a diluted competitive field, which may provide the Blue Jays with an opportunity to contest for a wild-card spot in the upcoming season with some additional moves. Reports suggest that the team is interested in acquiring more pitching depth, with veteran Max Scherzer among potential targets, as well as considering other infield options like Alex Bregman.
Consequences for the Orioles and the Draft
Santander turned down a qualifying offer from the Orioles, which means they will receive a compensation draft pick after the first round as a result of his signing with the Blue Jays. Additionally, this move has financial implications for Toronto, as they will forfeit their second-highest draft pick in 2025 and $500,000 in international signing bonus funds for 2026 due to exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Toronto
The acquisition of Anthony Santander reflects the Toronto Blue Jays’ determination to rejuvenate their roster after a lackluster season. By finally securing a top free agent, the team aims to strengthen its batting lineup and elevate its chances of postseason success. As additional moves loom on the horizon, the outcome of this signing could significantly influence the Blue Jays’ performance in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
