The Toronto Blue Jays signed Anthony Santander to a five-year, $92.5 million contract on Monday, finally securing a high-profile free agent.
The deal also includes an opt-out option and a team option for 2030, with the possibility of earning up to $110 million over six seasons, according to Santander’s agency, the Beverly Hills Sports Council.
Toronto had been trying to sign big-name players in the past, including Shohei Ohtani last year and Juan Soto, who was traded to the New York Mets in December. The Blue Jays were also in the running for Roki Sasaki, but the Japanese pitcher chose to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, Toronto successfully added Santander to its roster, where he will join stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer. The Blue Jays are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season, finishing last in the AL East with a 74-88 record.
Santander had a standout 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles, setting career highs with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 91 runs scored in 155 games. He batted .235 and had a .506 slugging percentage, earning his first All-Star appearance in the American League.
At 30 years old, Santander became the first switch-hitter since 2006 to hit 40 home runs in a season. He also became the fourth switch-hitter in MLB history to hit at least 44 homers, joining the ranks of Mickey Mantle (twice), Lance Berkman, and Chipper Jones.
Santander helped the Orioles make the playoffs for the second consecutive year, although they were swept by Kansas City in the opening round.
After the season, the Orioles extended a qualifying offer to Santander, meaning they will receive a compensatory pick after the first round of the 2025 amateur draft. In return, the Blue Jays lose their second-round draft pick and $500,000 in international signing bonus allocation for the 2026 season.
To make room for Santander on Toronto’s 40-man roster, left-hander Brandon Eisert was designated for assignment.
Santander first signed with Cleveland as an international free agent in July 2011. He was then selected by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft in December 2016. After dealing with right elbow inflammation, Santander made his MLB debut with the Orioles on August 18, 2017, though he appeared in only 13 games that season.
Santander had a breakout year in 2022, hitting .240 with 33 home runs and 89 RBIs in 152 games. He became a key player as the Orioles improved from a 110-loss team the previous season to an 83-79 record.
In 2023, Santander hit .257, with 28 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a career-high 41 doubles, helping the Orioles win the AL East title with a 101-61 record. However, they were swept by the Texas Rangers in the AL Division Series.
