Outfielder Anthony Santander signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays that includes up to $61.75 million in deferred payments.
Santander can choose to opt out of his contract after the 2027 season to become a free agent. If he does, the Blue Jays can override that decision by guaranteeing an extra $17.5 million, raising the total deal to $110 million over six years.
If he decides to leave after three years, Santander would have earned $60 million.
Signing Bonus and Salaries
As part of the contract, Santander received a $13.5 million signing bonus, with $6.75 million of that being deferred.
His annual salaries are set at $13.5 million for 2025, $16.5 million for 2026 and 2027, $14.75 million for 2028, and $12.75 million for 2029. The Blue Jays will defer $10 million each year.
Thereās also a $15 million team option for 2030 with a $5 million buyout, which will be deferred.
Potential Salary Adjustments
If Santander opts out, Toronto could void the decision by increasing his salary to $17.25 million in 2028, $15.25 million in 2029, and exercising the 2030 option at $17.5 million.
Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander warms up during a baseball workout a day before the teamās wild-card playoff gamePerformance Bonuses
Santander could earn bonuses for his performance, including:
- $150,000 for being named AL MVP.
- $125,000 for finishing second in voting.
- $100,000 for third, $75,000 for fourth, and $50,000 for fifth in the MVP race.
- $50,000 for making the All-Star team, being voted World Series MVP, winning a Gold Glove, or winning a Silver Slugger.
- $25,000 for winning the League Championship Series MVP.
Santanderās Career Highs and Achievements
Santander had a career year in 2023 with the Baltimore Orioles, setting personal bests with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 91 runs in 155 games. He batted .235 with a .506 slugging percentage and earned his first AL All-Star appearance.
He became the first switch hitter since 2006 to hit 40 home runs and the fourth to hit at least 44, joining Mickey Mantle, Lance Berkman, and Chipper Jones.
Impact on Baltimore and Draft Pick
Santander helped Baltimore reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year, although they were swept by Kansas City in the first round.
The Orioles had given him a qualifying offer, meaning they will receive a compensatory pick after the first round of this yearās amateur draft. The Blue Jays, however, lose their second draft pick and $500,000 in 2026 international signing bonus allocation.
