Latest update on Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander

With Baltimore in 2024, Santander recorded career highs with 44 home runs and 102 runs batted in.

The Blue Jays were hoping that Santander could bring that power into a lineup that was one of the worst at hitting home runs in 2024.

The 30-year-old was going to be heavily relied on in his first season in Toronto, however, 2025 has been a disaster for Santander.

Santander has still not started to hit at the Blue Jays' complex in Dunedin, Fla., and until he does, there won't be much of a timeline.

It's possible this stretches on closer to the Trade Deadline, but for now, the Blue Jays have to plan on life without Santander in the lineup.

The main impact of Santander's return will be to the DH spot which brings us to George Springer.

The veteran outfielder has already started 30 games at DH, which he's embraced. If Santander were to return and bump Springer back to more outfield reps, that further crowds Toronto's outfield and puts pressure on players like Alan Roden or Lukes.

If everyone's hitting, this is a good problem to have, but it could create another complicated puzzle for manager John Schneider.

In 50 games played in 2025, Santander has a .179 batting average. Santander has hit just six home runs and has recorded 14 runs batted in. Santander's OPS is a low .577 and he has a negative WAR.

While Santander has been dealing with a shoulder injury, the Blue Jays have played themselves into a a Wild Card spot in the American League.

Their players are improving in the lineup right now and it would be difficult to justify having Santander start over anyone else.

The Blue Jays offense is getting contributions from just about everyone since Santander went down.

The Blue Jays had a 28-28 record at the time Santander last played and they have gone 14-9 since then (going into Thursdays game) and currently holding a Wild Card spot in the American League.

It's clear that without Santander, the Blue Jays have been doing better. When Santander is healthy to return, his spot in the lineup will be at DH, which means he and Springer will rotate between RF and DH. Alan Roden will most likely be the odd man out.