Anthony Santander DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

MLB.com's Keegan Matheson reports that Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander has been away from camp while sorting out visa issues. However, Santander will be back in Dunedin on Wednesday night and is expected to play in a Grapefruit League game on Friday, according to manager John Schneider. The Blue Jays' offseason acquisition initially reported to camp but then had to leave to take care of the visa issues. It should be all sorted out now, though. The 30-year-old adds plenty of pop to the heart of Toronto's batting order for the 2025 season after inking a five-year, $92.5 million deal in free agency in the offseason. The switch-hitter clubbed a career-high 44 home runs in his final season in Baltimore in 2024 and could be the Jays' primary designated hitter in his first season in Canada. Although some regression wouldn't be a surprise, Santander is a pretty good bet for 30-plus homers if he stays healthy.

Free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander agreed to a five-year deal worth at least $92.5 million guaranteed on Monday with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a source. With an option involved in the deal, Santander has the potential to make $110 million. KPRC's Ari Alexander also reports that there is deferred money in the deal. Santander has an opt-out after the 2027 season that can be voided if a 2030 team option is exercised. It's the first big signing this offseason for Toronto and will give them a rising switch-hitting power bat to pair with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the middle of their lineup. The Venezuelan outfielder was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and hit .235/.308/.506 with an .814 OPS, a career-high 44 home runs and a career-high 102 RBI in 155 games with the Orioles. Although his power will play nicely in Toronto, fantasy managers may want to expect a slight step back in his power numbers in 2025.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Toronto Blue Jays are continuing their pursuit of free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander. Heyman noted that the team has made progress with their conversations. However, the Blue Jays have had positive discussions with free agents but have fallen short in several bids for the other top options, such as Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki. Heyman also reported that the Blue Jays are also eyeing Pete Alonso and potentially another pitcher. Last season, Santander launched a career-best 44 home runs with a .235/.308/.506 line. Under the hood, he boasted an 11.7% barrel rate and .445 xSLG, which were both significantly above the average marks. If Santander were to sign in Toronto, he would likely see most of his starts as a designated hitter.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, free agent outfielder/designated hitter Anthony Santander is open to signing a short-term deal with a high annual value. Santander has been one of the top bats on the market all offseason but has been unable to seal a longer-term extension. Rosenthal noted that Santander might opt to take a short-term deal like many Scott Boras clients have done and would seek a larger contract before the 2026 season. For example, Matt Chapman and Blake Snell have taken shorter deals, which have allowed them to sign a larger contract in the future. The 30-year-old slugger launched at least 28 home runs for the third straight season and even hit a career-best 44 in 2024. He generated an impressive .506 SLG and an 11.7% barrel rate. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that the Toronto Blue Jays are among the clubs interested in Santander.

According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander is viewed as the "focus" for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays have been connected to several of the top free agents this offseason but have been unable to finalize any deals. Santander would bring some much-needed power to the Toronto lineup. Last season, the 30-year-old switch-hitter launched a career-best 44 long balls. This was his third straight campaign hitting at least 28 home runs. He posted a strong .506 slugging percentage with 25 doubles and 102 RBI. Under the hood, he generated a solid 11.7% barrel rate and .445 xSLG, which were both significantly above the average marks of qualified hitters. If Santander were to sign in Toronto, fantasy managers should expect him to have solid RBI upside batting behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Andres Gimenez.