The Blue Jays are building their 2025 roster with three key additions: Andres Gimenez, Myles Straw and Jeff Hoffman. They’re not done shopping, either.
Toronto’s keeping their core intact, holding onto Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette for their contract years. Now they’re eyeing some big names in free agency, including Alex Bregman, Roki Sasaki, Pete Alonso and Anthony Santander.
Santander’s looking like a particularly good fit. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter thinks he’s exactly what the Jays need in their outfield.
“With Daulton Varsho expected to miss the start of the season as he continues his recovery from September shoulder surgery, the Blue Jays are projected to have Joey Loperfido and Nathan Lukes start alongside George Springer in the outfield. They are also sorely lacking in viable protection for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the middle of the lineup, assuming Springer and Bo Bichette are batting ahead of him. Adding Santander on the heels of a 44-homer season would address both issues,” Reuter wrote.
Santander’s coming off a monster year. While his .235 batting average might not jump off the page, his power numbers tell the real story. The switch-hitter crushed 44 home runs and drove in 102 runs, posting an .814 OPS that earned him his first All-Star selection and Silver Slugger award.
Thing is, signing Santander makes sense on multiple levels. He’s already comfortable in the AL East after his breakout season with Baltimore. He’d give Toronto’s lineup the power boost it needs needs, especially with Varsho starting the season on the shelf.
For a Blue Jays team looking to jump back into contention, Santander could be that missing piece. His ability to hit for power from both sides of the plate would add a new dimension to Toronto’s offense.
