Jays Sign Anthony Santander

 

Photo From Birds Watcher

The Jays have finally added a bat from an AL East rival. Anthony Santander has left Baltimore to join the Blue Jays on a five-year deal worth over $90 million. Santander can opt out of the deal after the fourth year, but Toronto can void his opt-out by exercising their team option, which would extend the deal to six years. This is a significant move for Toronto.

We’ve seen Santander torment the Jays countless times, so it will be refreshing to have his bat contributing to the Toronto Blue Jays. Last season, Santander posted a .235 batting average with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs. This addition will strengthen the Jays’ outfield, but the key impact will be in the batting order, where he can hit behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. However, this can’t be the only move for Toronto—they need another bat. Reports suggest Pete Alonso and Toronto are a strong possibility. If Alonso leaves the New York Mets, which seems likely, and joins Toronto, he would likely slot into the DH role.

Santander’s $92 million contract may seem like an overpay to some fans, and that might be true. However, it’s important to remember that the Jays finished last in the division after a disappointing season. Toronto hasn’t been a marquee destination, so they needed to overpay to convince Santander to play north of the border.

Now, fans will eagerly wait to see if Guerrero signs an extension before his self-imposed Spring Training deadline. There are multiple reports from insiders suggesting the Jays aren’t done making moves. More news could be on the way.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’d like to see Toronto add another power bat and a bottom-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. Reports indicate the Jays are in talks with several players, so hopefully, there will be more positive updates regarding the Toronto Blue Jays soon.

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