The Baltimore Orioles love Anthony Santander, but was that enough to bring him back to the team? Apparently not. So the slugger went to their divisional rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays who offered him $92.5 million which includes a sixth-year club option. This incredible deal came after hitting a career-high 44 home runs in 2024 with the Orioles.

During the season, he recorded his second-best OPS+ (134) and drove in 100 runs for the first time. So when their star slugger did not sign with them, what did the Orioles do? Baltimore signed Tyler O’Neill, an outfielder, to a $49.5 million, three-year contract with an opt-out clause after 2025. Last season, he played 113 games for the Boston Red Sox and blasted 31 home runs. But why didn’t Santander go back to the Orioles?

Anthony Santander didn’t hold back. In a video posted by Baltimore Banner Sports, the Venezuelan right fielder made it clear why he didn’t re-sign with Baltimore. “Zero chance at all,” he said bluntly. The offer? Not even close. He acknowledged the business side of things, praising GM Mike Elias but making it clear that patience paid off—Toronto stepped up, and he took the opportunity.

Santander is the offensive boost the Blue Jays need right now, and he should be right behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Vladdy is positioned for another successful season and his final season with the Blue Jays. It’s not a secret that the Jays were also in full pursuit of Juan Soto. However, they turned their heads and looked for second-best options when that deal didn’t go through. Anthony Santander was a clear option, and things went the right way.

How is the slugger fitting into his new Toronto Blue Jays team?

After joining the Toronto Blue Jays in the offseason, Anthony Santander’s spring training experience got off to a rocky start due to visa issues. Although he was present at the team’s first full-squad workout and media day, he had to leave camp for a few days to sort out his paperwork. In his first two spring games, he went a disappointing 0-for-6. However, as soon as he returned to the field on March 3, he quickly turned the page with a standout 2-for-3 performance, driving in three RBIs against the Tigers.

Just two days later, Santander delivered a jaw-dropping moment for Blue Jays fans, crushing his first home run of the spring in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With his ability to drive the ball to all parts of the field, his bat becomes an essential weapon in protecting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the lineup. It’s no surprise that Santander has been slotted into the third spot in the order for most of the spring games, a position that speaks to the faith the Blue Jays have in his ability to produce.

Despite being a career .246 hitter, Santander’s raw power makes him an ideal fit for the middle of the order. As a proven power threat, he can clear the bases and give the Blue Jays’ offense a much-needed boost. His performance thus far in spring training suggests he’s rounding into form just in time for the season opener. With Guerrero Jr. expected to attract most of the attention from opposing pitchers, Santander’s presence will offer a dangerous safeguard behind him.