Anthony Santander didn’t just leave the Detroit Tigers—he left behind the feeling of being a backup option. His choice to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays during MLB’s 2025 free agency has left many wondering if they missed out on anything or were never really in the running? The idea of being a “second option” is said to have been a significant factor in Santander’s decision. He wanted to be more than just a name on the roster; he aimed to be the team’s cornerstone player.

After a productive 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles, Santander entered free agency, seeking a team that valued his contributions. While the Tigers and Blue Jays showed interest, their intentions differed. Santander’s first choice might be the Tigers, but was it the other way around? Realizing he was seen as a backup rather than a priority for the Tigers was a turning point for Santander—he didn’t think twice and said yes to Toronto.

Offering Santander a five-year, $92.5 million contract, the Blue Jays wanted him to join a team that needed his skill set—a power-hitting, switch-hitting outfielder who could provide consistency to the lineup. They weren’t just adding depth but also shaping him into a foundational piece, and their offer wasn’t merely financial; it was a statement—the team wanted Santander to be the main focus rather than just a secondary option.

No. 25 didn’t hold back and told the Free Press on Monday afternoon, “They looked at me, but they were looking at the third baseman as the priority because that was the spot they needed the most. I was next. They were showing interest, like calling and making sure I was still available, but I was second in line.” The Tigers were swinging between Bregman and Santander, but they got none. That hesitation proved costly. Anthony Santander, feeling underappreciated, joined the Blue Jays, while Bregman signed with the Red Sox. Waiting too long can lead to losing everything, as the Tigers discovered when careful consideration left them empty-handed.

Can Anthony Santander be the x-factor for the Blue Jays in 2025?

Instead of merely adding another name to the scorecard, the Blue Jays were creating a blueprint for making the playoffs. They got a player who has the tenacity and resolve to perform well under pressure. Anthony Santander’s impressive statistics highlight his exceptional talent and skill on the field, and Toronto is hungry to clinch the spot after going 74-88 in 2024 and finishing last in the AL East.

In 155 games for Baltimore last season, Santander achieved career highs with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 91 runs scored. The outfielder was selected to the AL All-Star team, batting .235 with a .506 slugging percentage. He achieved career highs of 41 doubles, 28 home runs, and 95 RBIs while batting .257 as Baltimore won the 2023 AL East championship with a 101-61 record. Moreover, he became the first switch hitter to hit 40 home runs in the major leagues since 2006.

Anthony Santander joined Chipper Jones, Lance Berkman, and Mickey Mantle (twice) as the only switch hitter to hit at least 44 home runs in a season. Santander adds another level of offensive punch to a roster that already includes George Springer, Bo Bichette, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Santander’s ability to drive in crucial runs could be the missing component in the Blue Jays’ efforts to make the playoffs. His arrival strengthens the middle of the lineup and provides much-needed leadership and postseason experience, as Toronto aims for a deep postseason chase.