After seemingly finishing runner-up on several high-profile free agent acquisitions this offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays have finally landed a free agent.
Multiple media outlets reported that outfielder Anthony Santander, who was a 2024 All-Star and hit 44 home runs as a member of the Baltimore Orioles, has agreed to a five-year contract.
Santander, 30, tested the realms of free agency this offseason and had the best power-hitting season of his career at the perfect time. His batting average dropped to .235 and his on-base percentage was only .308, but his rapid increase in home runs led to a slugging percentage of .506 and a career-high 102 RBIs.
Santander was acquired by the Orioles as a Rule 5 draft pick in 2016 and played all eight seasons in the majors with Baltimore.
He became a regular in 2022 and has emerged as one of the game’s more consistent power hitters over the past three seasons.
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In addition to leading the O’s to back-to-back playoff appearances, he was named an All-Star for the first time last season and won the AL Silver Slugger Award as an outfielder.
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