The Blue Jays have come up short on several free agents over the last two offseasons. However, Toronto did get a big bat on January 20, to significantly help their chances in 2025. Anthony Santander is reportedly headed to the Blue Jays on a five-year deal, adding power to a lineup that needs it.
A Look at Santander
Former Oriole Anthony Santander was one of baseball’s most explosive power-hitting outfielders over the last three seasons. From 2022-24, Santander finished third among primary outfielders (min. 50% GP) in home runs (105), two ahead of Juan Soto and behind only Kyle Schwarber (131) and Aaron Judge (157).
A former Rule 5 Draft pick, Santander had arguably his best season last year. Santander posted a career-high 44 home runs and his .814 OPS was his best in a full, 162-game season. His career best in that category came in the shortened 2020 campaign (.890 OPS).
The 30-year-old is a pure power-hitting slugger, albeit one who doesn’t have a lot of swing-and-miss troubles. Santander can get to pitchers virtually anywhere in the zone, generates a lot of bat speed, and possesses a lofty swing.
For a power hitter, Santander recorded extremely good K% (19.4% in 2024) and Whiff% (20%) numbers. However, his slash line of .235/.308/.506 indicates a hitter who gets a lot of extra-base hits but not a lot of overall hitters. Santander has heavy pull-hitting tendencies and because he looks to get the ball in the air, pops up a ton.
Last season, his 14% Pop-Up% rate was nearly double the league average (7.1%).
Defensively, Santander possesses an above-average arm per Statcast. His arm strength ranked in the 68th percentile last season. Santander played in the corners with the Orioles, mostly at right field. However, Santander also saw limited time at first base.
Santander doesn’t have great foot speed, limiting his range in the outfield.
Per MLB.com, Anthony Santander will get a five-year deal, worth $92.5MM. Baltimore will receive draft-pick compensation, as Santander was qualified in November.
Analysis
Last month, we noted that the Blue Jays were the best fit for Santander, given their need for a big power bat who can slid either in between, behind, or next to Bo Bichette and/or Vladimir Guererro Jr.
Aside from Guerrero Jr., no other Blue Jays bat from 2024 was particularly reliable, especially their outfielders. Davis Schneider posted a .625 OPS, while Daulton Varsho capped out at .700. George Springer, meanwhile, has seen his offensive production slide each of the last two campaigns.
Toronto slid from top-tier offense to the bottom-half, in a matter of two years. The Blue Jays finished 23rd in runs scored (671) last season. And while Santander isn’t a high OBP player — despite the fact he does work counts and draw walks — he does have above-average power to drive in runs. Which, matters a lot.
Now, the Jays can start their 2025 lineup with newcomer 2B Andres Gimenez — an on-base machine against RHP — in the leadoff spot on most nights. Toronto can follow Gimenez with Bichette, Guerrero Jr., and Santander to form a solid 1-2-3-4 group.
On a lesser note, this move far from guarantees anything regarding Guerrero Jr.’s long-term future in Toronto. Guerrero Jr. is likely looking at a deal at least $400+MM, given his age and potentially, if he can replicate his 2024 numbers in 2025.
However, having a winner club helps. Toronto had a disappointing 2024 and aren’t the favorites in a deep AL East right now. But, this move can go a long way towards making it easier to bounceback next year.