The Toronto Blue Jays' high-stakes pursuit of a top-tier hitter this offseason is shadowed by a lingering question from last year's major investment. As the team reportedly chases stars like Kyle Tucker and former Jay Bo Bichette, the spotlight also falls on Anthony Santander, whose first season in Toronto fell dramatically short of expectations.
A Costly First Season Falls Flat
Approaching the one-year mark of his five-year, $92.5 million US contract, Santander's value to the Blue Jays is under intense scrutiny. Signed in December 2024 to provide power and protection for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the outfielder's debut campaign was a bust. He managed only 54 regular-season games, hitting a meager six home runs with a .175 batting average.
A significant shoulder injury, worse than initially reported, sidelined him from late May until his activation on September 24, 2025. His season ended unceremoniously when a back injury forced him out of the American League Championship Series lineup before Game 4.
Manager's Optimism Meets Roster Reality
Blue Jays manager John Schneider has publicly expressed support for the 31-year-old slugger. "Tony is going to be huge for us," Schneider said at the Winter Meetings in early December, adding that Santander is "motivated" and "hungry to get back to the player we know he is."
However, the team's aggressive offseason movements tell another story. The active courtship of elite bats like Tucker and Bichette signals that the front office is not banking on a Santander resurgence to solve their offensive needs. His presence on the payroll—earning $11.8 million US in 2026—ensures he is not forgotten, but his role is uncertain.
What's Next for the Slumping Slugger?
The plan, for now, is to give Santander a chance to prove himself early in the 2026 season. The Jays are aware of his career tendency as a slow starter and hope a normal, healthy spring training can help him "hit the ground running." Schneider emphasized the team doesn't need him to "hit .300 with 50 homers to make up for last year," but rather to fit in as the impactful player they originally signed.
Yet, the clock is ticking. If Santander cannot recapture the form that saw him hit 48 home runs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, the Blue Jays may be forced to cut their losses. His performance will be weighed against other factors, including the potential new acquisitions, the roles of 2025 standouts, and the designated hitter status of George Springer.
As pitchers and catchers prepare to report to Dunedin, Florida in just six weeks, Anthony Santander's journey from costly question mark to key contributor is one of the most compelling stories facing the defending American League champions.
