The Toronto Blue Jays began their offseason early this yr.
Toronto completed final within the American League East at 79-83.
Accidents performed a significant function. Catcher Alejandro Kirk missed greater than two months with a damaged thumb. Outfielder Addison Barger performed solely 9 video games. Anthony Santander, a 2024 All-Star, missed all the season.
Santander now faces scrutiny for a distinct cause.
Blue Jays Owe Anthony Santander $17 Million
Santander shared two anti-Muslim movies on his Instagram Tales on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The movies appeared a day after the U.S. midterm elections.
One video recommended Sharia legislation would come to america after Abdul El-Sayed gained a Michigan Senate seat. One other confirmed a Christian preacher who described Islam as violent.
The 32-year-old deleted each movies Thursday, however screenshots had already unfold on-line by then. That generated a lot traction on-line that the entrance workplace needed to step in for a remark.
“Baseball is for everybody, and the Blue Jays have created an inclusive expertise the place all followers really feel welcome at our ballpark,” the workforce mentioned. “Particular person feedback don’t characterize our group’s values and beliefs.”
Santander obtained $16.5 million, with $10 million deferred in 2026 regardless of not taking part in a single sport. After his 2024 All-Star season, Toronto signed him to a five-year, $92.5 million contract. That ended horribly.
Santander batted .175 with six house runs and 18 RBIs in 54 video games in 2025. Now, with the upcoming 2027 season, when there’s a whole lot of uncertainty about his efficiency, he uploaded these posts.
The Blue Jays once more owe him $16.5 million for 2027, with $10 million deferred. Santander can choose out after 2027.
Anthony Santander Faces Huge Backlash
Followers reacted shortly on social media. They need Toronto to easily boot him.
Steven Zhou, a spokesperson for the Nationwide Council of Canadian Muslims, described a spread of reactions. Some need Santander faraway from the roster, whereas others need an apology, Zhou mentioned.
The group additionally known as for a full apology and a dedication from Santander to satisfy with Muslim communities.
Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s former particular consultant for combating Islamophobia, mentioned deleting the posts “just isn’t sufficient.” She demanded an apology and urged the Blue Jays to take a stronger stand.
Santander has not addressed the criticism publicly. The workforce has introduced no motion up to now.
The Blue Jays launched reliever Anthony Bass in 2023, about two weeks after he shared an anti-LGBTQ boycott video. An identical motion may be on the best way for Santander.
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