It’s done: the Blue Jays finally got their hands on a top hitter. Anthony Santander, whom the Blue Jays had in their sights for a long time, finally arrived in town.
He signed a five-year contract (the fifth year helped) valued at $18.5 million per year, so $92.5 million in total. He has an exit option in three years and if he takes it, the Blue Jays can block his plans by immediately adding a sixth year to the contract.
And inevitably, this changes the dynamic in the city.
In the outfield, Joey Loperfido has just been put under pressure in left field. He had a regular position at the end of the season, but he was not perfect – far from it – at the end of the campaign, after being acquired from the Houston Astros.
Does this mean the Blue Jays are definitely going to put Santander in left? No. After all, it is also possible that the newcomer plays relatively often as a hitter of choice.
This would open up the left for Loperfido and other guys, who probably don’t want to have their path to the Majors blocked.
But quickly, I want to say that Santander, Daulton Varsho (when he recovers from his operation) and George Springer will be the club’s outfielders in 2025.
If Loperfido wants a place, it’s up to him to earn it. He’s good defensively (quite a bit better than Santander, anyway) and the Blue Jays don’t have currently no guy blocking the go-to hitter position.
As well as being a top hitter addition to the club, Santander will force the youngsters to push themselves even harder to earn their place.
By the way, speaking of forcing young guys to earn their spot: Pete Alonso is still in play for the Blue Jays, according to TSN’s Scott Mitchell. This must be taken into consideration.
It would make the club a little more dangerous, in any case.
-Let’s also mention that there are still a few aspects to note with the Blue Jays aside from the signing of Santander, who is seen as a guy who has a good presence in a locker room.
1. Santander will cost the Blue Jays a second-round pick (because he received a qualifying offer at the end of the 2024 season) and $500,000 in international bonuses.
The Blue Jays are also above the second luxury tax threshold following the signing.
2. While they’re here, the Blue Jays shouldn’t stop there. To (try to) win, one more pitcher and (at least) one more bat must be added to the club’s lineup.
To be continued, therefore.
3. Without it becoming a perfect transaction, Andres Gimenez no longer has his place in town following the arrival of Santander, who has very different strengths from those of the former Guardians on the pitch.
But nothing justifies Myles Straw at this point.
4. The priority of the off-season has still not been accomplished: convincing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to sign a long-term contract so that he spends the good seasons of his career in Canada.
Is this going to happen? To have.
