The term “laughing stock” might be a little harsh for the Blue Jays when describing their recent pursuit of a marquee free agent, but let’s at least say that the team has been struggling to find someone to take its money in recent offseasons. That includes very public second place finishes to the Los Angeles Dodgers on both Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki.
Well, someone finally agreed to sign on the dotted line and move their talents across the border. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Anthony Santander will ink a five-year contract with Toronto.
Santander isn’t a perfect player by any means — as he finished last season with a .308 OBP and a 20th percentile expected batting average (.220) — yet the things he does well are a perfect fit for the Blue Jays. Since the beginning of 2022, only five men have hit more home runs than Santander: Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Matt Olson, Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber. It’s a three-year span where Santander is slashing .244/.317/.478 with a 124 wRC+. To say that power upside is needed in Toronto would be an understatement. The Blue Jays only had one player hit more than 20 long balls in 2024 and the team ranked 22nd in ISO (.148). Toronto has also long been seeking a left-handed bat to compliment Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer.
Again, Santander has his flaws, least among them a spotty defensive profile in right field. However, some of those concerns are covered up by the presence of Daulton Varsho in center. The Blue Jays also do not currently employ a full-time DH and Santander could see a majority of his at-bats there.
