When the Toronto Blue Jays committed $92.5 million over five years to Anthony Santander this offseason, it was about more than just adding a powerful bat. It was a signal to the rest of baseball — and perhaps just as importantly, to franchise cornerstone Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — that Toronto is serious about winning now and building a sustainable contender.
The move was bold, aggressive, and laced with risk. And so far in the 2025 season, the early returns have been underwhelming.
A Rough Start to a High-Profile Tenure
Santander’s struggles have been hard to ignore. While he briefly showcased his power with a home run during the second half of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Yankees, that flash was the exception rather than the rule.
On the day, Santander went just 1-for-7 with four strikeouts, a snapshot that unfortunately fits a broader pattern. Through the early weeks of the season, he’s batting a paltry .179 with an OPS of .563 — numbers far below the expectations that accompany a $20 million annual salary. His three home runs and nine RBIs offer some consolation, but they haven’t been enough to buoy a Blue Jays offense that’s gasping for air, especially during a brutal stretch where the team has dropped seven of its last eight games.
Past Patterns Suggest Patience
Still, there’s reason for cautious optimism. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently labeled Santander among the early-season disappointments, but also highlighted a key trend: slow starts are nothing new for the veteran outfielder.
Throughout his career, Santander has struggled early, posting a career OPS of just .640 in March and April. But historically, once the calendar flips to May and beyond, he tends to catch fire, with his OPS climbing into the .825–.861 range during the summer months.
He’s proven to be the kind of hitter who needs time — and perhaps a little warmth — to find his rhythm.
Time Is Not on Toronto’s Side
While history suggests better days could be ahead for Santander, the urgency in Toronto is real. The team didn’t spend nearly $100 million for a second-half spark; they were hoping for immediate impact. With the Blue Jays already losing ground in the hyper-competitive AL East, every game matters — and every at-bat from their marquee acquisition carries a little extra weight.
If the Blue Jays are to climb out of their early-season hole and rekindle the playoff hopes that sparked their bold offseason moves, Santander’s bat will need to heat up soon — not months from now.
The pressure is mounting, the spotlight is bright, and the Blue Jays need their investment to start paying dividends before the season drifts beyond their control.
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