The bitter taste of the last attempts to sign coveted free agents began to fade on Monday for the Toronto Blue Jays, with the signing of center fielder Anthony Santander to a five-year, $90 million deal.
The Santander agreement is subject to a medical examination and, in addition to the five years, there is a club option for the 2030 season.
With Santander, the Blue Jays erase the last disappointments, which began last winter when they failed in their attempt to bring Shohei Ohtani to Canada, and continued this offseason after being in the bidding for Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes and closed their blacklist last Friday, when they were eliminated by Roki Sasaki, after being the last three finalists.
The Blue Jays are still hoping for another big fish, as they have their sights set on Pete Alonso, who is in stalled negotiations with the New York Mets.
Anthony Santander strengthens the Blue Jays lineup
Toronto’s lineup was bolstered by the signing of Santander, who will join Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette and George Springer. The Blue Jays are looking to bounce back after finishing last in the American League East with a 74-88 record in 2024.
Santander set career highs with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs and 91 runs scored in 155 games for Baltimore last year. The outfielder hit .235 with a .506 slugging percentage and was named to the American League All-Star team for the first time.
Santander, who turned 30 in October, was the first switch-hitter in the majors to reach 40 home runs since 2006. He became the fourth switch-hitter to hit at least 44 home runs in a season, joining Mickey Mantle (twice), Lance Berkman and Chipper Jones.
With information from LAPRESSE
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