Are the Blue Jays ever going to land a star player? Looking at how their offseason is going, we have to say probably not. Last year, the club tried for Shohei Ohtani but failed. This year, too, they tried to land Juan Soto but did not succeed. Every time, a better team swoops the targeted players with a much better offer right in front of the Blue Jays eyes. Is the same going to happen with Anthony Santander?

It is not looking like that, as the team just became the top landing spot for the slugger. It makes sense that the Toronto Blue Jays would be interested in Anthony Santander to help strengthen their lineup. Santander would provide an immediate power upgrade, something the Jays were probably looking for after missing out on both Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernández this season.

The Blue Jays make a move on Anthony Santander

Anthony Santander would make a good fit in Toronto’s lineup alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and other key hitters. As Ken Rosenthal put it on the Fair Territory podcast, “Toronto’s gonna get someone eventually.” Plus, with the Jays looking for a more balanced offensive attack, Santander’s presence would help mitigate the loss of Teoscar, who was one of their most reliable power sources. Moreover, Santander’s familiarity with the AL East is valuable. The slugger has faced off against the division’s pitchers for several years now, so his experience in this tough division is an advantage.

His consistency over the past few seasons, helping Baltimore reach the playoffs in both 2023 and 2024, also speaks to his ability to contribute in high-pressure situations. The Venezuelan native hit .235 with 44 homers and brought in 102. last season. According to an MLB Insider, Hector Gómez, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a strong move for Anthony Santander. The crew offered Santander $82 million over four years. None of the parties involved have actually come out and spoken on this matter, so it’s uncertain if this is true.

Have the Orioles forgotten about their former player? 

The Baltimore Orioles have nothing to lose except maybe some cash. The club is the only team that wouldn’t have to surrender 2025 draft picks as compensation for signing the free-agent outfielder. Santander has spent his entire major league career in Baltimore since debuting in 2017, and the Orioles have certainly built a strong connection with him over the years. However, according to Hector Gomez, the Orioles may not have the highest bid on the table for Santander.

The squad might not even have the second-highest. With other teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, making competitive offers, the Orioles now face the challenge of keeping their slugger in the fold while facing stiff competition from suitors willing to go above and beyond. It always felt like re-signing Anthony Santander might be a stretch for the Baltimore Orioles. But what closed the doors was when the Orioles agreed to a three-year deal with Tyler O’Neill. The slugging outfielder from the Boston Red Sox signed for just under $50 million.

While O’Neill adds pop to their outfield, this move shifts the Orioles’ spending plans, making it all the more unlikely they’ll have the budget to bring Santander back into the fold. With the Toronto Blue Jays and other suitors still in hot pursuit, it’s starting to look like Santander’s time in Baltimore is almost over. Would you have wanted Anthony Santander to remain in the Baltimore Orioles? Let us know below.