Toronto Blue Jays fans can finally get excited about the team landing a big-name player in free agency.
After striking out on Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki in recent weeks, it appears the Jays have agreed to a contract with free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi broke the news on social media this morning, saying the contract is pending a physical.
The deal is for five years and upwards of $90 million, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Anthony Santander’s deal with the Blue Jays is for five years and more than $90 million, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 20, 2025
For a Toronto front office that’s received its fair share of criticism for its rather slow offseason, the Santander signing should be well-received among Jays fans hoping the team competes for a World Series title in 2025.
Santander spent last season — and the first eight years of his career — with the Baltimore Orioles, where he recorded 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, a .235 batting average, and a .814 OPS in 2024.
One thing fans might also enjoy about Santander is his unique nickname. He was affectionately nicknamed “Tony Taters” during his time in Baltimore, after his home-run hitting prowess, well, shortened first name, that even resulted in a well-selling t-shirt.
The 30-year-old Venezuelan outfielder was named an All-Star for the first time in his career last season while also winning one of the American League Silver Slugger awards.
A switch hitter, Santander helps to add to the Blue Jays’ outfield depth that includes George Springer and Daulton Varsho, and should provide for an interesting mix of combinations from manager John Schneider. While it’s not entirely clear how everything will shake out this year, it’s safe to say Santander has himself an everyday spot in Toronto’s lineup and should help to complement the team’s existing hitting potential.
With files from Preston Hodgkinson
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
