The slugging outfielder will make another run at in 2027.
Toronto Blue Jays slugging outfielder/DH Anthony Santander will not be returning to the team for the final weekend of the season, per Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.
With the Blue Jays out of contention for the playoffs, there was certainly a thought that Santander could return to get some major league at-bats this season, but it won't happen. He is already in Florida getting started on his offseason work.
It's just the culmination of a really tough two years for Santander, who signed with the Blue Jays before the 2025 season.
Two years worth of frustration
Santander hit 44 home runs for the 2024 Baltimore Orioles, becoming one of the most coveted free agents before 2025. He signed a five-year deal with Toronto worth $92.5 million, but it hasn't worked out yet. He labored through the 2025 campaign, playing only 54 games because of shoulder issues. He hit .175 with six home runs and 18 RBIs.
He returned late in the season to help the Jays in their playoff push, but he wasn't much help there either. He was removed from the American League Championship Series roster because of back problems.
After the Blue Jays let Bo Bichette go in the offseason, there was added pressure on Santander to help carry the lineup, but he never got a chance to get going. He had labrum surgery on his problematic shoulder in spring training and only mustered a few rehab games this month before also experiencing more back problems. He went 4-for-17 in his rehab contests.
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Anthony Santander (25) warms up before playing the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre. Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesLooking ahead to 2027
At this point, nothing from Santander can be counted on. The Blue Jays certainly hope that he can provide what they paid him to provide, but considering he'll be 32 next season, that's a real unknown.
Regardless, the Blue Jays owe him approximately $60 million over the next three years, so he's going to get a chance to play. And with George Springer likely gone in free agency, there's room at the designated position for him as well.
He'll pair with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kazuma Okamoto in the middle of the order, and the team will hope for a healthy return from Addison Barger as well. He played only nine games because of ankle and arm issues.
As for the rest of 2026?
The Blue Jays will finish out the season with two more games at Rogers Centre against the Cincinnati Reds. First pitch on Saturday is set for 3:07 p.m. ET.
