Anthony Santander has been a hot topic for most of the teams this offseason. While he is still to make the final call, the Baltimore Orioles star outfielder is getting serious interest from the AL East team.
As reported by the MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing Anthony Santander to improve their roster after a quiet 2024 season. As 2025 began, the Blue Jays were in the news for acquiring $2 million in international bonus pool money. And they are reportedly in negotiations with Santander, who had a standout year with 44 home runs and earned his first All-Star selection.
This move follows other key acquisitions, including Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andres Gimenez and outfielder Myles Straw. With this recent development, Toronto is on its toes to make a splash in free agency. However, Santander’s fit with the Blue Jays appears to be promising.
The Blue Jays remain in negotiations with Anthony Santander, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/ozRiJWgqM4
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) January 17, 2025
The team is looking to strengthen their lineup after falling to fifth place in the AL East, and Santander offers a clear upgrade in power and experience. With George Springer and Joey Loperfido currently listed in the outfield corners, Santander could be the missing piece for the positions. The Venezuela-born star is coming off a standout year where he belted 44 home runs and drove in 102 RBIs while posting an OPS of .814.
Also Read: Anthony Santander Rumors: AL West Team Emerges As Top Target Amid Tigers Interest
MLB Insider Addresses Concerns Regarding Anthony Santander And Pete Alonso
While the contract scenario might seem an easy run for Anthony, the opposite is also true. The league is moving fast, and the franchises have a different approach before committing big bucks now. Recently, MLB Insider Buster Olney discussed the uncertain futures of New York Mets star Pete Alonso and Orioles’ Anthony Santander.
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During an appearance on ‘The Michael Kay Show,’ Olney pointed out the concerns surrounding both players. He acknowledged the appeal of their power-hitting but also noted worries about their defensive skills and how they will age in the coming years. As contract negotiations loom, these concerns add pressure on both athletes to secure favorable deals.
“It’s clear that he’s dealing with the same dynamic I think that Pete is, to some degree. People, you know, they love the power, but there’s concern about the defense. There’s concern about how the player is going to age. What other skills are out there?” Olney said.
While Alonso may face a tougher road in finding the right contract, Santander appears to have a clearer path. Olney mentioned that the Blue Jays are a leading candidate to sign Santander, especially given the competition from other teams like the Angels and Red Sox. Reports suggest that Santander could sign a contract worth approximately $89 million with the Jays.
