After missing out on several big names this offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays have finally made a splash in free agency. They’ve agreed to a five-year deal worth $92.5 million with slugging outfielder Anthony Santander.
As one of the best outfielders on the market this season, Santander is coming off a career year with the Baltimore Orioles. His 44 home runs this past season (third most across MLB) earned him an all-star appearance for the first time in his career. Addressing the offensive issues is huge for this Blue Jays team, and Santander is sure to be an immediate boost to a team that finished bottom five in home runs last season.
Santander: The Perfect Fit
Santander has become a household name in the big leagues, hitting 33, 28, and 44 homers in each of his last three seasons. It is no surprise why his power bat has fans in Toronto excited. Santander has been the perfect fit for this Blue Jays team all along and management clearly recognized it, being in discussions with the outfielder from the near opening of the market. A switch-hitting slugger slotting into a contact-focused lineup in dire need of left-handed bats feels like the perfect fit.
The defensive fit is less clear but not nearly as important. Santander has never been a great defender and the Jays have many better defensive outfielders. The DH spot is wide-open and could be a viable option for Santander for all or parts of the season.
Expectations in Toronto on the Rise Again
With the addition of another all-star bat into the middle of the order, expectations are once again as high as the CN Tower. But can 2025 bring better results than the disappointing 74-win campaign fans endured last year?
Many fans believe so, as the offence, which at times was nearly nonexistent, should improve significantly. If the lineup produces as expected, the results should follow.
The Blue Jays will still likely target additional offensive help and potentially a starting pitcher this offseason. Regardless of what other moves the team ends up making, Santander’s signing is a clear step toward improving the roster. Fans can expect the Blue Jays to climb out of the AL East basement in 2025.