A free agent slugger from the Baltimore Orioles might help the Blue Jays with their offensive problems.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, one of the most talked-about storylines for the Toronto Blue Jays is their offensive production. Despite having a strong roster with notable stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer, the Blue Jays offense at times faltered in recent seasons, struggling to stay consistent and capitalize on their potential. To address this issue, Toronto may look to free agency to bolster their lineup and add another impactful bat. One player that could be a perfect fit is a free agent slugger from the Baltimore Orioles, whose power-hitting ability might help the Blue Jays solve their offensive woes.

This article will explore how this free agent, previously part of the Baltimore Orioles, could provide the Blue Jays with the much-needed offensive boost in 2025. We’ll examine the slugger’s background, his offensive production with the Orioles, and how his strengths could complement Toronto’s existing lineup. Additionally, we’ll discuss the potential impact this acquisition could have on the Blue Jays’ postseason aspirations.

The Slugger in Question: A Look at the Free Agent

Before diving into how this free agent could help the Blue Jays, it’s important to first look at the player himself: Anthony Santander.

Anthony Santander emerged as one of the most reliable and consistent offensive threats for the Baltimore Orioles in recent seasons. After making his MLB debut with the Orioles in 2017, Santander quickly became known for his raw power and ability to hit for both average and power. His ability to hit home runs and drive in runs made him a standout in an Orioles lineup that struggled for much of his tenure in Baltimore.

In 2023, Santander continued to solidify his place as a major contributor to the Orioles’ offense, delivering 33 home runs, 89 RBIs, and a .251 batting average. These numbers were not only impressive within the context of the Orioles’ rebuilding process, but they also ranked among the top power hitters in the league for that season. Santander’s ability to hit home runs in critical situations made him a key player in Baltimore’s offense and earned him recognition as one of the most dangerous hitters on the team.

Santander’s slugging percentage consistently ranks near the top of the league, and he’s also shown the ability to take walks and get on base, contributing to a solid on-base percentage. His batting eye, combined with his power potential, has made him one of the more coveted free-agent targets, particularly for teams looking to improve their offensive production.

With Toronto’s offense needing an additional slugging presence to complement their existing stars, Santander’s profile fits the need perfectly. His right-handed bat would provide a nice balance in a lineup that features left-handed hitters like Guerrero Jr. and Bichette. Furthermore, Santander’s ability to drive in runs and produce extra-base hits could significantly improve Toronto’s offense, especially with their existing talent around him.

Why the Blue Jays Need Offensive Help

Despite possessing one of the most talented lineups in baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays have struggled to fully capitalize on their potential in recent seasons. The core of the team, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer, is undeniably potent, but inconsistency has often been a theme, particularly in high-leverage moments. While the Blue Jays are capable of scoring runs in bunches, they’ve also experienced extended cold streaks where the offense has gone quiet for long stretches.

For example, while Guerrero Jr. had a stellar 2023 season with 36 home runs and 94 RBIs, his performance was inconsistent at times, and the team’s overall offensive output occasionally dropped off in crucial series. Bichette, while one of the best shortstops in the league, has had difficulty sustaining his offensive production for a full season, particularly with his power numbers. Springer, although an experienced leadoff hitter with plenty of postseason experience, has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, limiting his time in the lineup.

Adding another slugger to this mix would give the Blue Jays a much-needed boost. A player like Santander would not only help lengthen the lineup but also provide protection for Guerrero Jr. in the middle of the order, ensuring that Toronto has multiple threats in every inning. With Santander’s ability to hit for both power and average, he would take pressure off some of the team’s other hitters and help the Blue Jays maintain offensive consistency throughout the season.

Santander’s Fit with the Blue Jays: Adding Another Power Bat

One of the primary reasons Santander could be a perfect fit for the Blue Jays is his ability to add another power bat to the lineup. Toronto has long been known for its offense, but with the loss of power-hitting contributors over the years, particularly from the outfield, Santander could provide the Blue Jays with a much-needed home run threat.

Santander has a career-high 33 home runs in 2023, and his slugging percentage has consistently been well above average. For the Blue Jays, adding another player capable of hitting 30+ home runs would help in several areas. First, it would deepen the lineup by giving opposing pitchers another slugger to worry about. With Guerrero Jr., Bichette, and Springer already in the lineup, Santander would make it harder for pitchers to navigate the Blue Jays’ batting order, forcing them to pitch around multiple players with significant power.

Second, Santander’s offensive presence would give the Blue Jays greater flexibility in their lineup construction. Having someone who can hit for power and drive in runs in the middle of the order would allow manager John Schneider to better structure the lineup, giving the team more chances to generate offense in key situations. A Santander-Guerro Jr.-Bichette 3-4-5 middle of the order could become a fearsome trio capable of driving in runs and putting pressure on opposing pitchers throughout a game.

Additionally, Santander has the ability to produce extra-base hits, including doubles and triples. His power isn’t limited to just home runs; he can also find the gaps and get on base at a respectable clip. His ability to hit for extra bases would be invaluable in a lineup that relies on generating scoring opportunities through hard contact and aggressive baserunning.

Defensive Contribution: Santander’s Versatility in the Outfield

While offensive production is the primary focus for the Blue Jays, defense is also an important consideration when adding a new player to the mix. Thankfully, Anthony Santander is a capable outfielder who provides defensive flexibility.

Santander has spent much of his career in right field, but he has also logged time in left field and center field. This versatility would give the Blue Jays options when constructing their outfield defense. Given George Springer’s history of injuries, adding a player like Santander could allow the Blue Jays to rest Springer at times while still maintaining a strong defensive alignment in the outfield. Furthermore, if the Blue Jays ever need to make adjustments to their lineup based on matchups, Santander’s ability to move around the outfield would provide them with that flexibility.

While not an elite defender, Santander is competent in the outfield and offers enough range and arm strength to be an asset in right field. His steady defensive play would give the Blue Jays additional value beyond just his bat, helping to improve the overall team balance.

How Santander’s Arrival Could Impact Toronto’s Playoff Push

The Toronto Blue Jays are already considered one of the better teams in the American League, but they have fallen short of postseason success in recent years. Adding a proven power hitter like Anthony Santander could be the missing piece that propels them to the next level.

Santander’s ability to perform in clutch situations and hit for power in high-leverage moments would be invaluable in the postseason. The Blue Jays have struggled in past playoff series to produce consistently when it matters most, and Santander’s presence in the middle of the lineup would help alleviate some of that pressure.

Furthermore, Santander has experience in meaningful games, having played for the Orioles in tough divisions and handled high-pressure moments during key stretches. His experience as a slugger who has often been relied upon in big spots would give the Blue Jays another player who can deliver in the clutch during critical moments of the season and beyond.

The Financial Consideration: Can the Blue Jays Afford Santander?

With the free-agent market in full swing, the financial component of this potential move is always a key consideration. The Blue Jays have historically been known for their willingness to spend on big-name players, and they have a solid payroll structure in place. While adding Santander might require a multi-year commitment and significant financial resources, the Blue Jays could see this move as a necessary investment to strengthen their lineup.

Given their position as a contender in the AL East, it would make sense for Toronto to make a splash and sign a player like Santander to bolster their chances of returning to the postseason and advancing deep into October.