The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious position this offseason. After aggressively pursuing top-tier free agents like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Juan Soto, the team has come up empty-handed in all of these high-profile pursuits. Now, they face a critical choice: accept a rebuild and endure a likely period of struggle or pivot and secure talent from the remaining free agents and trade market.
R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports predicts that Toronto will opt for the latter approach. Anderson forecasts the Blue Jays to sign Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander, potentially poaching him from their division rival in the AL East.
“Santander’s market seems a little too quiet for a 30-year-old switch-hitter coming off a 44-homer season. Such is life anymore for non-elite corner bats,” Anderson wrote. “I’m penciling in the Blue Jays here because they’ve been connected to several top free agents this winter, suggesting they’re at least somewhat open to making further additions. Plus, Toronto could certainly use an upgrade in the corner outfield or at DH.”
Adding Santander would be a significant boost for Toronto, especially after losing out on Teoscar Hernández and Juan Soto. Santander, coming off a career-best 44-home run season, ranks among baseball’s top power hitters. Jon Heyman of the New York Post projects Santander to command a $100 million contract, a price well within Toronto’s financial reach.
Signing Santander could not only address Toronto’s offensive needs but also demonstrate the team’s commitment to remaining competitive in the AL East.
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