The Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant addition to their lineup by signing veteran outfielder Anthony Santander. Details of the contract are yet to be released, but this move solidifies the Blue Jays' position as a contender in the American League.
The Toronto Blue Jays finally secured a high-profile free agent on Monday, adding Anthony Santander to their already potent lineup, according to a person with direct knowledge of the agreement. The source requested anonymity because the contract was pending a physical. Details regarding the financial terms and duration of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Toronto had previously expressed interest in acquiring star players like Shohei Ohtani last year and was also considered a contender for Juan Soto before he ultimately joined the New York Mets in December. The Blue Jays were also reportedly among the finalists for Roki Sasaki before the Japanese pitcher decided to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Santander enjoyed a career-defining season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, setting new personal bests with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 91 runs scored across 155 games. The outfielder batted .235 with a .506 slugging percentage while earning his first AL All-Star selection. At 30 years old, Santander became the first switch-hitting player in the majors to reach 40 home runs since 2006. He joined an exclusive group of four switch-hitters who have hit at least 44 home runs in a single season, alongside baseball legends Mickey Mantle (twice), Lance Berkman, and Chipper Jones. The Venezuelan slugger played a crucial role in helping Baltimore secure consecutive playoff berths, although they were eliminated in the opening round by the Kansas City Royals in 2023. Santander signed with the Cleveland Guardians as an international free agent in July 2011 and was subsequently selected by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft in December 2016. After recovering from right elbow inflammation, he made his major league debut with Baltimore on August 18, 2017, but only appeared in 13 games that season. Santander truly emerged as a force in 2022, batting .240 with 33 homers and 89 RBIs in 152 games. As the Orioles bounced back from a disappointing 110-loss season in 2021 to finish with an 83-79 record, Santander solidified his position as a key member of their young core. He further showcased his talent in 2023, hitting .257 with 28 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a career-high 41 doubles as Baltimore clinched the 2023 AL East title with a dominant 101-61 record. However, their season ended prematurely with a sweep by the Texas Rangers in the AL Division Series
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