Reports: The Jays and OF Anthony Santander agree to a five-year, $90 million contract.

As Major League Baseball’s offseason continues to unfold, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a major splash in the free-agent market by securing a five-year, $90 million contract with outfielder Anthony Santander. This deal, which has been widely reported, is expected to have significant implications for both the Blue Jays and Santander himself as they embark on a new chapter for the 2025 season and beyond. The agreement represents a significant commitment from the Blue Jays, signaling their intent to remain competitive in the stacked American League East division and make a deeper push for postseason success.

But what does this deal mean for both the Blue Jays and Santander? How does the acquisition impact the team’s roster and long-term plans? What do fans and analysts expect from Santander as he joins one of the most dynamic lineups in MLB? Let’s take a closer look at the implications of this blockbuster contract.

Who is Anthony Santander?

Before delving into the contract details and what it means for the Toronto Blue Jays, it’s important to understand who Anthony Santander is as a player. Santander, who is 29 years old, has established himself as one of the most consistent power hitters in baseball over the past few seasons. A switch-hitter with excellent bat speed and impressive raw power, Santander has emerged as a key figure for the Baltimore Orioles, where he played for the past several seasons.

Santander broke onto the MLB scene with a bang in 2017, debuting with the Orioles and showing flashes of his potential. However, it was in the following seasons where he truly made his mark. Over the course of his time in Baltimore, Santander developed into a reliable offensive force in the middle of the Orioles’ lineup. In 2024, Santander hit 33 home runs, posted a .271 batting average, and drove in 95 RBIs—numbers that showcased both his power and ability to produce in key moments. His 2024 season marked the third consecutive year he had hit 30 or more home runs, underscoring his consistency and ability to perform in the hitter-friendly conditions of Camden Yards.

Aside from his power, Santander is a capable outfielder, playing most of his games in right field. While he’s not considered a top-tier defensive player, his strong arm and solid range make him a reliable presence on the field. Santander’s versatility in the outfield is a valuable asset for the Blue Jays, who are always looking to upgrade their defense.

The Contract: Terms and Structure

The five-year, $90 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays is a significant one, both in terms of financial commitment and the length of the contract. The $90 million total value places Santander among the more highly-paid outfielders in the game, especially considering his age and experience level. The deal will pay Santander an average annual salary of $18 million, which is reflective of his value as a middle-of-the-order bat with the potential for sustained power production over the life of the contract.

Reports suggest that the contract is front-loaded, with the first few years of the deal carrying higher salaries. This structure allows the Blue Jays to maximize Santander’s value early in the contract while still maintaining some flexibility later on. The deal also includes performance bonuses based on plate appearances and home runs, which could increase Santander’s earnings if he continues to play at a high level throughout the length of the contract.

From a financial standpoint, the Blue Jays have made a clear investment in Santander’s ability to help elevate the team’s offense. While $18 million per year is a substantial amount, the deal is seen as a reasonable risk given Santander’s established track record of hitting for power and his relatively low injury history. The Blue Jays, known for their commitment to building a deep and potent lineup, see Santander as a crucial piece in their offensive plans for years to come.

What Santander Brings to the Blue Jays

With the addition of Santander to their lineup, the Toronto Blue Jays have significantly improved their offensive depth and added another potent bat to their already formidable roster. Toronto’s lineup is already home to stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer, and Santander’s presence in the middle of the order is expected to make the team even more dangerous.

Santander’s primary role with the Blue Jays will be to provide a reliable source of power and run production. The team struggled at times in 2024 with inconsistent offensive performances, especially in the later months of the season. The addition of Santander gives them an established run producer who has consistently hit for power. His ability to hit both right-handed and left-handed pitching equally well will make him a valuable weapon in manager John Schneider’s lineup, providing protection for other power hitters like Guerrero Jr. and Springer.

As a switch-hitter, Santander offers lineup flexibility, allowing Schneider to deploy him against a variety of pitching matchups. His offensive production—particularly in the form of home runs and RBIs—gives the Blue Jays an added dimension of power that complements their already potent hitting core. Santander’s ability to come through in clutch situations, as evidenced by his ability to produce in late-game situations with the Orioles, is also a welcome addition to a team looking to push deeper into the postseason.

Defensive Capabilities

While Santander is best known for his offensive contributions, his defense in the outfield will also play a role in his fit with the Blue Jays. As a right fielder, Santander has shown that he is a capable fielder with a strong arm and solid range. His defense is generally considered to be above average, though not elite, and he can be expected to make routine plays while also providing value with his arm in certain situations.

Given the Blue Jays’ existing outfield depth, with Springer and Daulton Varsho both capable of handling center field and left field, Santander will likely slot into right field full-time. The Blue Jays may also occasionally move Santander to other outfield positions depending on matchups, injuries, or defensive alignment preferences, but his most consistent role will be in right.

Why Santander Makes Sense for the Blue Jays

For the Blue Jays, the signing of Santander makes a lot of sense from a roster construction standpoint. The team has already invested heavily in their pitching staff, and the offensive depth of their lineup was a priority heading into the offseason. Adding a player of Santander’s caliber is an immediate upgrade, providing a consistent power hitter who can anchor the middle of the order.

Additionally, the Blue Jays are in the midst of one of the most competitive divisions in all of baseball. The American League East features perennial powerhouses like the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, as well as rising contenders like the Boston Red Sox. To keep pace with these teams, the Blue Jays needed to add another offensive force to their lineup, and Santander fits that need perfectly.

Santander’s skillset also complements the Blue Jays’ current strengths. The team already boasts a potent offense led by Guerrero Jr., Bichette, and Springer, but what they lacked at times was a consistent power bat who could deliver in high-leverage situations. Santander, who has proven to be a reliable hitter in key moments, helps to fill that gap and gives the Blue Jays even more options when it comes to scoring runs.

In addition to his bat, Santander provides the Blue Jays with another veteran presence in the clubhouse. Having already played in a rebuild with the Orioles, Santander knows what it takes to stay competitive through difficult seasons and contribute to a team that is on the rise. His leadership, combined with his proven production, gives the Blue Jays a well-rounded player who can make an immediate impact.

The Financial Implications for the Blue Jays

While the five-year, $90 million contract is a significant investment for the Blue Jays, it’s not a deal that will drastically affect their financial flexibility moving forward. The team already has a core of high-priced stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Kevin Gausman, but the Blue Jays are accustomed to managing their payroll in a way that allows them to remain competitive while building for the future.

This contract could, however, influence how the Blue Jays approach future roster moves. With the addition of Santander, the team has committed a significant portion of its available payroll to one player, which may limit their ability to make other high-profile acquisitions in the near future. However, the Blue Jays’ front office has demonstrated a commitment to spending wisely and building a well-rounded roster, so they will likely continue to focus on adding value through trade and developing younger players from within the system.