The Toronto Blue Jays have finally landed a big-name free agent, signing outfielder Anthony Santander to a five-year deal worth $92 million. The contract includes player options and deferred money, but its age-worthiness is uncertain.
Santander had a career year in 2024, setting personal bests in homers, walks, and weighted on-base percentage (wRC+). He also had the lowest batting average and besting-average-by-play (BABIP) of his career. The 31-year-old’s aggressive swing style generates power and longballs, but his defense is subpar, particularly in the outfield corner.
The Blue Jays needed a bat like Santander’s to replace underperforming options George Springer and Joey Loperfido. However, Springer is nearing the end of his career, while Loperfido is still available for a shot at the corner spot.
Santander was one of the last big bats remaining in free agency but may not be the best fit for teams like the Mariners or Giants, who need more OBP help than power. The best remaining outfield free agent appears to be Jurickson Profar, who had a breakout year in 2024 despite struggles last season.
The Blue Jays’ signing of Santander is likely to make them a better team, but its long-term impact remains uncertain due to the aging nature of his contract.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6076231/2025/01/20/blue-jays-anthony-santander-signing-analysis