The Blue Jays’ pursuit of Anthony Santander is heating up, and the buzz is hard to ignore. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press recently named Toronto and the Angels as frontrunners for the All-Star outfielder.
According to KPRC’s Ari Alexander, the Jays have made their intentions clear with a formal contract offer.
While the specifics of the deal remain under wraps, there’s no denying that Santander is a hot commodity in this offseason’s free-agent market.
Santander’s Ranking and Contract Goals
Ranked ninth on MLB Trade Rumors’ top 50 free agents, Santander is projected to command a four-year, $80 million contract.
Represented by the Beverly Hills Sports Council, the slugger has his sights set even higher. Reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post indicate Santander is aiming for a five-year deal worth at least $100 million.
Given the recent trend of free agents securing higher-than-expected paydays, Santander’s goal seems well within reach.
His timing couldn’t be better. With many of the offseason’s top power hitters already off the board, the market for Santander may turn into a bidding war.
In addition to the Blue Jays and Angels, teams like the Tigers, Red Sox, and Yankees have shown interest, leaving plenty of potential suitors. Yet, one team notably absent from the race is Houston.
Alexander reports that the Astros are “very unlikely” to pursue Santander due to luxury tax concerns, especially since signing him would trigger additional penalties tied to the qualifying offer rules.
Why Anthony Santander Is the Perfect Fit for Toronto
For the Blue Jays, adding Santander could be transformative. The team’s lineup, which leaned heavily on right-handed power last season, ranked 26th in the majors in home runs.
Santander’s switch-hitting prowess and proven power could give much-needed protection to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. while offering flexibility between left field and designated hitter roles.
His addition would address the Jays’ offensive shortcomings and signal the front office’s commitment to remaining competitive moving forward.
The Clock Is Ticking on Toronto’s Core
Toronto’s front office has attempted to have a huge offseason with its pursuit of marquee names like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes.
Despite reports suggesting the Jays may have outbid other teams—like the Diamondbacks’ $210 million deal with Burnes—they’ve come up short in landing the big fish.
Santander could change that narrative and help mitigate the pressure on GM Ross Atkins and team president Mark Shapiro, who are under intense scrutiny as Guerrero and Bo Bichette inch closer to free agency next winter.
Signing Anthony Santander would big boost their lineup for 2025, and would prove the Jays’ real determination to compete in the AL East.
Whether this move will silence critics or serve as a springboard for greater success remains to be seen. However, it is clear the Blue Jays are serious about winning now.
