Santander, an Orioles slugger, signs a six-year contract with the Blue Jays.

In one of the most significant moves of the 2025 Major League Baseball offseason, Anthony Santander, the power-hitting outfielder who spent the last several seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, has agreed to a six-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. This deal, reportedly worth $108 million, marks a major shift in both Santander’s career and the landscape of the American League East division.

Santander’s departure from the Orioles, coupled with his decision to join one of their most bitter division rivals, will undoubtedly send shockwaves through both fanbases and the broader baseball community. For the Blue Jays, acquiring a player of Santander’s caliber adds a significant boost to their already potent offense, further solidifying their commitment to competing for a World Series title. For the Orioles, losing one of their key cornerstones creates a considerable void in their lineup—one that they will need to address quickly if they hope to remain competitive in a division that promises to be even more tightly contested in 2025.

As the Blue Jays strengthen their position within the AL East, Santander’s move raises several important questions about what the future holds for both teams, the player himself, and the ever-intense rivalry between these two clubs. Let’s take a deep dive into this blockbuster deal and what it means for everyone involved.

The Signing: Terms and Details of Santander’s Contract

The reported six-year, $108 million contract that Santander signed with the Blue Jays comes with an average annual value (AAV) of $18 million. This deal is not only a financial commitment but also a long-term investment in Santander’s power bat and leadership presence in the middle of Toronto’s lineup.

Santander’s New Role with the Blue Jays

Santander will most likely slot into right field for the Blue Jays, where he will join a dynamic outfield that already includes George Springer and Daulton Varsho. With the Blue Jays boasting one of the most impressive lineups in the league, Santander’s role as a middle-of-the-order hitter makes a lot of sense. His ability to hit both left-handed and right-handed pitching equally well gives manager John Schneider added flexibility when constructing the lineup, and his power potential in the hitter-friendly Rogers Centre should complement the strengths of the Blue Jays’ other hitters, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Matt Chapman.

By securing Santander, the Blue Jays not only add another bat with 30-home-run potential, but they also solidify the heart of their batting order. While the Blue Jays had already shown flashes of offensive brilliance in recent seasons, they often found themselves too reliant on the long ball without enough consistent production from role players. Santander’s ability to drive in runs and add consistent slugging to the middle of the lineup should give Toronto even more balance and depth in 2025 and beyond.

In addition to his bat, Santander is expected to provide defensive stability in right field. Though he isn’t known for elite defense, he has a strong arm and adequate range, making him a solid outfielder in a position that often demands arm strength and consistency. The Blue Jays, who are looking to solidify their outfield defense while adding more offensive firepower, see Santander as a reliable asset on both sides of the ball.

Financial Structure of the Deal

In terms of the financials, the $108 million contract is structured to provide Santander with a steady salary over the six years, with escalating pay in the latter years. This structure is favorable to the Blue Jays, as it provides a clear path for their financial flexibility while locking in a key player for the long term. With a sizable portion of the contract back-loaded, Toronto will be able to manage its payroll effectively over the next few years, even as they look to extend their star players and fill other roster needs.

It’s important to note that the deal includes performance bonuses based on plate appearances and home runs, which could increase the overall value of the contract if Santander continues his offensive production at a high level. Given his track record of hitting 30 or more home runs in each of the last three seasons, the incentives built into the contract seem like a reasonable bet.

Why Santander Makes Sense for the Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the most consistent teams in the American League in recent years, regularly competing for a playoff spot and maintaining a potent offense. However, they faced challenges when it came to breaking through the playoff barrier and achieving sustained success. To truly become a perennial contender and push for a World Series, the Blue Jays needed to improve their offense further, particularly in terms of run production from reliable power hitters. Santander provides exactly that.

Adding Another Power Bat

Santander is the perfect complement to the already powerful Blue Jays lineup. In 2024, Santander hit 33 home runs with a .271 batting average and 95 RBIs, solidifying his status as a top-tier power hitter in MLB. His ability to drive in runs and hit for power in clutch moments will provide even more balance to an offense that already features Guerrero Jr., who is one of the most feared hitters in baseball. By adding Santander, the Blue Jays now have even more offensive depth, making them a dangerous team to face late in games.

Santander’s power comes from his combination of bat speed, strong hands, and excellent timing. As a switch hitter, he is capable of going deep from both sides of the plate, making him even harder to defend against. His consistency in hitting for power, even in difficult environments, makes him a perfect fit for Toronto’s batter-friendly Rogers Centre, which could help Santander achieve even greater offensive success in the years ahead.

Versatility in the Lineup

Santander’s ability to hit from both sides of the plate and provide consistent power makes him a versatile player within the Blue Jays’ lineup. The Blue Jays, who like to match their hitters against opposing pitchers, will find Santander’s ability to hit left- and right-handed pitchers to be a valuable asset. He’ll be able to contribute in key moments and make a meaningful impact against pitchers from any side of the mound.

Moreover, Toronto’s lineup is known for its depth, and Santander’s presence in the middle of that order will allow manager John Schneider to deploy a balanced offensive approach. With Guerrero Jr. and Bichette at the top of the order, Santander is likely to be a perfect fit as a slugger who can drive in runs and provide added protection for the rest of the lineup. His addition will force pitchers to focus on more than just the first few hitters, making the Blue Jays one of the most well-rounded offenses in the league.

Solidifying the Outfield

While the Blue Jays have made strides defensively, the addition of Santander in right field should help to further stabilize the outfield. His arm strength and reliable glove make him a strong option for a Blue Jays outfield that already features George Springer and Daulton Varsho. With Santander’s bat added to the mix, the team’s outfield defense and offense will complement each other, providing a complete package for the Blue Jays in 2025.

The Orioles’ Loss: What It Means for Baltimore

For the Baltimore Orioles, the departure of Santander is a difficult blow. Santander was a key figure in the team’s resurgence in recent seasons, providing a steady offensive presence in the middle of the order and offering leadership to a young team that had shown promise but had yet to fully establish itself as a contender. Santander’s consistent 30-home-run seasons were a major factor in the Orioles’ competitive efforts, and his departure leaves a noticeable void in their offense.

The Orioles, who have invested heavily in developing young talent like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Grayson Rodriguez, will now need to find ways to replace Santander’s production. Baltimore is expected to explore free-agent options or potential trade targets to fill the hole left by Santander’s exit. Additionally, the Orioles may lean more heavily on their younger players to take the next step and contribute offensively.

While Santander’s loss is a blow, the Orioles remain optimistic about their future. Their young core is highly regarded, and they have the resources to make smart acquisitions moving forward. Santander’s exit doesn’t signal the end of their rebuilding efforts; instead, it’s a reminder that the team must continue to evolve and adjust as they compete in one of baseball’s most competitive divisions.

Impact on the AL East Rivalry

One of the most intriguing aspects of Santander’s move to the Blue Jays is the immediate impact it will have on the AL East rivalry. The Blue Jays and Orioles have both been competitive in recent seasons, and with Santander now playing for the Blue Jays, the intensity of the rivalry is expected to grow even more.

The Blue Jays’ increased offensive firepower, bolstered by Santander’s bat, will make them an even more formidable opponent for the Orioles. The addition of Santander to an already stacked Toronto lineup will likely shift the balance of power in the AL East in favor of the Blue Jays—at least in the short term. As the Orioles attempt to regroup and replace Santander’s production, they will have to contend with a Toronto team that has only gotten stronger.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams

With the 2025 season approaching, both the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles are preparing for the next chapter in their respective journeys. The Blue Jays, bolstered by Santander’s signing, are primed to compete for a World Series title. They’ll look to build on their deep roster, which now includes one of the top power hitters in baseball, and make a deeper playoff run.

For the Orioles, the challenge is to bounce back from Santander’s departure and continue their development as a competitive team in the AL East. While Santander’s loss is significant, the Orioles are still a team on the rise, and their core of young talent is poised to make noise in the coming years.

Ultimately, the signing of Anthony Santander to the Blue Jays is a pivotal moment for both franchises. For the Blue Jays, it represents a commitment to championship contention, while for the Orioles, it’s a reminder that the road to the top is always evolving. One thing is certain—this move will only intensify the fierce rivalry between these two teams as they look to dominate the AL East in 2025 and beyond.