After missing out on several of their top free-agent targets in recent weeks, the Toronto Blue Jays finally made a splash by landing slugger Anthony Santander.
The two sides have agreed to terms on a deal and a physical has been completed, a team source confirmed Monday.
The five-year deal includes a 2030 team option with a $92.5 million opt out and escalators that could increase the value to $110 million over six seasons, according to Santander's agency, the Beverly Hills Sports Council.
Santander, who hit 44 home runs and drove in 102 runs last season for the Baltimore Orioles, should provide some much-needed power in the heart of Toronto's batting order.
A 30-year-old switch-hitter, Santander has spent his entire eight-year big-league career with the Orioles. He had a breakout campaign in 2022 and made the All-Star team last season.
The Venezuelan has averaged 35 homers, 95 RBI and 153 games played over the last three years. Santander will likely serve primarily as a designated hitter with occasional spells as a backup outfielder with Toronto.
The Blue Jays' deal with Anthony Santander includes heavy deferrals, per a source.
The year-over-year breakdown is slightly frontloaded, but there are heavy deferrals for the duration of the contract.
The move provides some much-needed protection in the batting order for slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was one of the few offensive bright spots for Toronto last year.
Santander has a career batting average of .246 with a .469 slugging percentage and a .776 on-base-plus slugging percentage.
Critical off-season
The Blue Jays' offense was never really on track in 2024 and the team was a seller at the trade deadline. Toronto finished in last place in the American League East with a 74-88 record.
This is an important off-season for the Blue Jays, who reached the wild-card round in three of four years before last season's disappointment.
The Blue Jays acquired second baseman Andres Gimenez last month and have added relievers Yimi Garcia and Jeff Hoffman via free agency to shore up their bullpen.
But the Santander deal is the first big move that addresses the team's offense.
Santander was the first switch hitter in the majors to hit 40 homers since 2006. Became fourth switch hitter to hit at least 44 homers in a season, joining Mickey Mantle (twice), Lance Berkman and Chipper Jones.
Santander signed with Cleveland as an international free agent in July 2011. He was selected by Baltimore in the Rule 5 draft in December 2016.
After sidelining right elbow inflammation, he made his major league debut with the Orioles on August 18, 2017, but appeared in just 13 games that first year.
In 2022, Santander hit .240 with 33 homers and 89 RBI in 152 games. He stamped himself as part of an emerging group of young players as the Orioles went 83-79 after losing 110 games last season.
