The Toronto Blue Jays have secured a major signing with Anthony Santander, aiming to boost their offense for the upcoming season.
Toronto: The Blue Jays have finally made a big move by signing slugger Anthony Santander. After missing out on other free agents, this deal is a breath of fresh air.
They’ve agreed on a five-year contract worth $92.5 million, which includes an opt-out clause and a team option for 2030. Sounds like a solid plan, right?
While the team hasn’t officially announced it yet, a source confirmed that the deal is done and Santander has passed his physical. That’s a relief!
Last season, Santander hit 44 home runs and drove in 102 runs for the Orioles. He’s exactly the kind of power hitter the Blue Jays need in their lineup.
At 30, he’s been with the Orioles for his entire career and even made the All-Star team last year. He’s been a consistent performer, averaging 35 homers and 95 RBIs over the last three years.
In Toronto, he’ll likely be the designated hitter, but he can also play outfield when needed. This flexibility is a big plus for the team.
Interestingly, the deal has some heavy deferrals, which means the payment structure is a bit unique. It’s slightly front-loaded but has some long-term deferrals.
This signing is crucial for the Blue Jays, especially to support Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was one of the few bright spots in their lineup last season.
Santander has a career batting average of .246, with a solid slugging percentage. He’s proven he can hit, and the Blue Jays are banking on that.
Last season was tough for Toronto, finishing last in the AL East. They need to bounce back, and this signing is a step in the right direction.
They were in the running for other big names like Juan Soto, but now they’ve got Santander, which is a great addition to their offense.
Before this, they picked up second baseman Andres Gimenez and added some relievers to strengthen their bullpen. But Santander is the big fish they’ve landed.
He’s made history as the first switch hitter to hit 40 homers since 2006, joining some legendary names. That’s impressive!
Santander started his journey with Cleveland as an international free agent and was picked by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft. He’s come a long way since then.
After a rough start due to injury, he made his debut in 2017 and has been a key player ever since. In 2022, he hit .240 with 33 homers, showing he’s a rising star.
