“Toronto Takes a Swing at a Star: Blue Jays Target Free Agent Slugger Anthony Santander”
Blue Jays in Hot Pursuit of Anthony Santander
The Toronto Blue Jays are making a strong push to sign free agent outfielder Anthony Santander, who has received a formal contract offer from the team. According to KPRC’s Ari Alexander, the Jays have presented Santander with a formal contract offer, although the size and duration of the offer are unclear.
Santander, who is ranked No. 9 on MLB Trade Rumors’ list of the top 50 free agents of the offseason, is expected to receive a four-year, $8MM deal. However, his representatives at the Beverly Hills Sports Commission have been seeking to surpass this number, with the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reporting that Santander is seeking a five-year contract worth at least $100MM.
The Blue Jays are likely willing to offer more than the expected $8MM to secure Santander’s services, considering how many other notable free agents have landed bigger-than-expected deals this winter. In addition to the Jays and Angels, the Tigers, Red Sox, and Yankees have been publicly linked to Santander, and there may be a club or two lurking to see how his market develops.
One team that appears to be out of the running for Santander is the Houston Astros, according to Alexander. The Astros are unlikely to hand out the type of contract that would essentially ensure the team stays above the luxury tax threshold, which currently stands at $241MM. The Astros have already paid the penalties for signing Christian Walker, and adding a strong changeup hitter like Santander could put them over the threshold.
Adding Santander to the Jays’ lineup could fill a variety of needs, including providing a strong changeup hitter to complement Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Santander has a ready-made defensive position in left field, and his ability to get at-bats from the DH position would be a significant asset for the Jays.
Despite a quiet offseason, the Blue Jays have been aggressive in their pursuit of top free agents. In addition to Santander, the team has been linked to Juan Soto and pitcher Corbyn Burns, and has reportedly offered more than the Diamondbacks’ $210MM contract with Burns. The Jays’ only notable offseason move to date has been a two-year deal with Yimi Garcia, as well as a trade with the Guardians that brought in Andres Jimenez and Nick Sandlin.
Signing Santander would send a message to fans and the baseball world that the Blue Jays are willing to make bold moves to strengthen their roster. It could also help to quiet the talk that the team can’t land top free agents, especially if they are able to sign Guerrero and Beau Bichette to contract extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the current state of the Blue Jays’ pursuit of Anthony Santander?
A: The Blue Jays have made a formal contract offer to Santander, although the size and duration of the offer are unclear.
Q: What is the expected value of a four-year contract for Anthony Santander?
A: According to MLB Trade Rumors, Santander is expected to receive a four-year, $8MM deal.
Q: What teams have been linked to Santander in addition to the Blue Jays and Angels?
A: The Tigers, Red Sox, and Yankees have also been publicly linked to Santander.
Q: Why are the Astros unlikely to sign Anthony Santander?
A: The Astros are unlikely to hand out the type of contract that would essentially ensure the team stays above the luxury tax threshold.
Conclusion:
The Toronto Blue Jays are making a strong push to sign Anthony Santander, and it’s easy to see why. Santander’s ability to provide a strong changeup hitter and his readiness to play in left field make him an attractive addition to the Jays’ lineup. The team’s aggressive pursuit of top free agents has been quiet so far this offseason, but signing Santander could send a message to fans and the baseball world that the Blue Jays are committed to building a winning roster.
