Anthony Santander, known for his power-hitting abilities, has officially inked a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. The MLB Network’s Jon Paul Morosi reported that the switch-hitting outfielder signed a lucrative five-year contract with Toronto valued at over $90 million. ESPN’s Jeff Passan confirmed the details, adding that there is also a team option for a sixth year that could elevate the total value to $110 million. Santander has the option to opt out after the third year, but the Blue Jays have the ability to negate that by exercising the contract’s sixth year, as per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Santander, coming off a stellar 2024 season where he smacked 44 home runs for the Baltimore Orioles, is considered one of the top free agents in the market. His impressive performance at the plate earned him the 11th spot on Yahoo Sports’ list of the Top 50 MLB free agents. Notably, his 44 home runs last season were the fifth-highest total by a switch-hitter in MLB history.
The 30-year-old outfielder excelled predominantly as a left-handed batter in 2024, showcasing his power with 32 homers and an .822 OPS. While batting from the right side, Santander managed 12 home runs with a .225 average and .793 OPS. Throughout his eight seasons with the Orioles, Santander compiled a .246 batting average with a .776 OPS, 155 home runs, 155 doubles, and 435 RBIs.
The addition of Santander to the Blue Jays lineup brings a much-needed boost of left-handed power. With the club’s pursuit of several high-profile free agents falling through, securing Santander’s services is a significant win for Toronto. The question now arises regarding Santander’s position on the field, as he primarily played right field for the Orioles, a position currently held by George Springer in Toronto. It is likely that Santander will shift to left field or serve as a designated hitter for the Blue Jays.
Overall, Santander’s signing represents a pivotal moment for the Blue Jays as they aim to strengthen their roster and contend in the upcoming season. The move not only addresses the team’s offensive deficiencies but also sets the stage for a promising future with Santander’s potent hitting abilities in the mix.