MLB Rumors: Anthony Santander and the Toronto Blue Jays' free agency negotiations are intensifying.
Free agency slugger Anthony Santander is being actively pursued by the Toronto Blue Jays, and talks are progressing. After losing out on other big free agents, the Blue Jays, who have been linked to Santander since the start of the summer, are keen to sign him.
SOURCE: The Blue Jays and Anthony Santander resumed their conversation. The Jays are committed to making a significant move. via X, formerly Twitter, via Héctor Gómez.
According to recent sources, Toronto has become more interested in the 30-year-old switch-hitter, particularly after Roki Sasaki decided to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Blue Jays' payroll was unaffected by Sasaki's signing, but they were still looking for a big-name acquisition to steal the show over the winter.
Santander just finished a season with the Baltimore Orioles that was his best yet. After smashing 44 home runs and driving in 102 runs in 2024, the power-hitting outfielder was selected to his first All-Star team, won a Silver Slugger award, and placed 14th in the AL MVP voting. Santander has averaged 36 home runs per 162 games over the past three seasons, solidifying his position as one of the league's top sluggers.
The former Orioles slugger is nearing an agreement with the Blue Jays.
The former Orioles slugger is nearing an agreement with the Blue Jays.
Toronto urgently needs a power bat. The Blue Jays finished 20th overall with a.389 slugging percentage and among the bottom five in MLB for home runs last season.
With 30 home runs, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the team's only reliable source of power; no other player scored more than 19. Santander would provide a squad that has had trouble converting scoring opportunities a much-needed lift thanks to his shown ability to produce offense.
Santander's strength is important, but so is his durability. He has missed just 26 games since the 2022 season began. But his success at Rogers Centre has been inconsistent; although he has been a headache for Toronto in head-to-head games, his career batting average there is only.194.
According to reports, Toronto and Santander are negotiating a possible four-year, $82 million contract.
The talks could change, though, as there are speculations that Santander may suddenly be amenable to a shorter-term contract with a higher annual average value.
Gold Glove winner Daulton Varsho, four-time All-Star George Springer, and Santander would make quite an entertaining outfield if the Blue Jays were to sign Santander. Alejandro Kirk, Andrés Giménez, Bo Bichette, and Guerrero would make up the Blue Jays' core, which would give them a lineup that could compete in the AL East.
As of right now, it is evident that the Blue Jays are committed to signing Santander, and they are working to finalize a contract that would greatly improve their chances of making the 2025 postseason.
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