The Toronto Blue Jays have finalized a five-year contract with outfielder, worth $92.5 million. The agreement, announced late Monday, includes an opt-out option for Santander and a provision that could extend the deal to six years and $110 million.
Santander, who hit 44 home runs last season with the Orioles, adds the offensive power the Blue Jays need, complementing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a key hitter in the lineup. His power has been consistent over the past three seasons, providing an ideal balance to a lineup that typically emphasizes contact hitting. After missing out on Juan Soto, the Blue Jays turned to Santander, whose contact rate and switch-hitting ability make him a solid addition compared to former player Teoscar Hernández.
While Santander’s defensive fit in the outfield isn’t as certain, with some past struggles in right field, the Blue Jays still have George Springer and the option to use Santander in left field or as a designated hitter.
The deal fits into Toronto’s budget, especially with contracts expiring in the next few years, allowing flexibility for future moves. Santander also strengthens the team’s veteran presence, providing a reliable option as they build around emerging young talent.
As a result of Santander rejecting a qualifying offer from the Orioles, the Blue Jays will lose their second-highest draft pick and $500,000 from their international bonus pool, while the Orioles will receive a compensatory pick.
This move offers some relief to Blue Jays fans, following a series of setbacks in their offseason pursuits. After missing out on other high-profile players like Shohei Ohtani, Soto, and Corbin Burnes, this deal signals a positive direction for the organization. With Santander’s addition, the team is better positioned for a competitive push, though further roster upgrades are still needed, particularly in terms of offense, bullpen, and rotation depth.
Leave a Reply