One key query for the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason entails outfielder Anthony Santander.
He hit 44 house runs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024 after which signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with Toronto. That funding is but to pay again.
Santander hit .175 with six house runs in 54 video games in 2025. He didn’t play within the majors in 2026 after left shoulder surgical procedure in February.
Basic supervisor Ross Atkins needs Santander to arrange to play the outfield.
“We would like Tony to be enthusiastic about taking part in the outfield and being an choice for us there,” Atkins mentioned. The aim, he mentioned, is “having as a lot flexibility as doable.”
Designated hitter George Springer, 37, is headed to free company. He has not mentioned whether or not he’ll preserve taking part in.
If he leaves, the designated hitter job opens up. Atkins would favor to maintain the spot open, MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson reported. That might let Toronto rotate gamers by it.
Toronto now should determine the right way to use Santander. Matheson wrote that Santander “nonetheless appears like the most effective wager to have essentially the most begins at DH subsequent season.” He added that “at this level, the Blue Jays want to think about any contributions from him a bonus.”
Addison Barger’s Return Additional Complicates Anthony Santander’s Outfield Plans
Enjoying Santander in proper subject would create one other drawback, Addison Barger. He hit .243 with 21 house runs and 74 RBIs in 135 video games in 2025. Toronto deliberate to make use of him as its on a regular basis proper fielder in 2026.
Ankle, elbow and again accidents restricted Barger to 9 video games. He went 1-for-22. He had proper elbow surgical procedure July 27.
Supervisor John Schneider mentioned Barger needs to be again to one hundred pc for baseball actions when spring coaching begins. However he performs proper subject.
If Santander performs proper, Barger’s place comes into query. Kazuma Okamoto already holds third base. He hit .232 with 33 house runs and 92 RBIs in 156 video games as a rookie.
Shifting Santander to left subject would preserve Barger in proper. However Santander has struggled there earlier than. Toronto might additionally rotate Okamoto, Barger and Santander. The Blue Jays should determine the right way to match all three gamers into the lineup.
A greater wager for the correct subject can be Barger if issues look good for him.
Vladimir Guerrero’s Bounce-Again Will Form the Offseason
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. endured a career-worst season. He hit .260 with 9 house runs and 57 RBIs in 144 video games. His OPS was .688. To match, in 2025, Guerrero hit .292 with 23 house runs and an .848 OPS.
Atkins mentioned Guerrero’s struggles. The membership noticed no evident league changes to Guerrero.
“Privately, the Blue Jays have to be very trustworthy with themselves,” Matheson wrote. He questioned whether or not Toronto really believes Guerrero will hit “30-plus house runs with an .875 OPS subsequent season” or “is there concern?”
“That can form their offseason and the way they construct the lineup round Guerrero,” Matheson added.
Toronto scored 648 runs and hit 152 house runs in 2026, each the fewest within the majors.
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