General manager Ross Atkins mentioned that a Toronto Blue Jays jersey with Anthony Santander’s name on it had been “floating around our office” all through the offseason.
Santander finally put it on Tuesday during a Zoom press conference, a day after he completed a $92.5 million, five-year deal with the team.
“Looks great on me already,” Santander said with a smile.
The contract includes an opt-out clause and a team option for 2030, with escalators that could raise the total value to $110 million.
“The process was really good,” Santander shared. “Since day one, we’ve had really good communication, back and forth. I know it took a little bit longer, but we got what we wanted. We’re here. The process was really easy.”
The 30-year-old outfielder was named an All-Star for the first time last year in his eighth and final season with the Baltimore Orioles. He posted a .235 batting average, setting personal records with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 91 runs in 155 games.
Now joining the Blue Jays, Santander will be part of a lineup that is expected to feature George Springer, Bo Bichette, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
“I’m happy for this opportunity,” Santander said. “I can’t wait to be with my brothers. It starts on day one of spring training. Work hard, get better every single day and go after the championship.”
He added, “That’s what we’re looking for. That’s what I’m here for.”
The Blue Jays made the playoffs as wild card teams in 2020, 2022, and 2023. However, they finished last in the AL East last year with a 74-88 record.
“Anthony is about as good of a fit as we can find,” Atkins said. “He can hit from both sides of the plate, consistently putting the ball over the fence. His ability to make an impact every night is exactly what we were looking for, and he’ll be a great addition to this lineup.”
A switch-hitter who can hit for power from both sides, Santander has averaged 35 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 153 games over the past three seasons.
He is the first big free agent signing for the Blue Jays this winter.
Atkins did not comment on the team’s failed pursuit of pitcher Roki Sasaki, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, nor did he address the potential of a long-term deal with Guerrero, who could become a free agent after the 2025 World Series.
Santander is expected to play as a designated hitter for manager John Schneider and will likely bat cleanup in many games.
“Left field, right field, first base, DH — I’m really flexible with that,” Santander said. “All that I want is to get ready to win games.”
