In a confirmed move this offseason, Anthony Santander has signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, after the Kansas City Royals made a strong push to land the veteran slugger.
According to The Athletic, the Royals had offered Santander a three-year, $66 million contract, but ultimately, the outfielder chose to head to Toronto. This signing comes after the Blue Jays missed out on acquiring Juan Soto, making Santander their top priority in an effort to bolster their lineup for 2025.
Santander, who played for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, brings proven power to the Blue Jays’ offense. Despite not drawing the same attention as other marquee free agents, he had an impressive season, solidifying his value. With his signing, the Blue Jays hope to regain traction in the AL East after finishing 74-88 last season.
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Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals, who ended the 2024 season with an 86-76 record, continue to pursue upgrades to their roster but will now have to look elsewhere to fill the gap left by Santander’s decision to sign with Toronto.
With Santander officially joining the Blue Jays, expectations are high for Toronto as they aim to compete in a competitive AL East. The question now is whether Santander’s addition will propel the Blue Jays to an ALCS appearance and beyond.
