MLB Network: Blue Jays' Anthony Santander bounce-back season could be an offensive X-Factor in 2026
Photo credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
MLB Insider Jon Morosi believes that a bounce-back season from Anthony Santander can transform the Toronto Blue Jays offense in 2026.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Anthony Santander to a five-year, $92.5 million contract last offseason, but his first year in Toronto fell well short of expectations.
Injuries played a major role in his struggles, as he dealt with health issues throughout both the regular season and postseason.
Still, even when Santander was healthy enough to see consistent playing time, his production didn't match what the club had envisioned.
Regardless of the reasons behind his disappointing debut, Santander still has ample time left on his contract to turn things around and deliver on his potential in Toronto.
Santander arrived with lofty expectations after a career-best 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles, during which he crushed 44 home runs.
That power, however, failed to materialize in 2025. Over 54 games, he posted a .175/.271/.294 slash line with just six home runs and 18 RBI.
His struggles were reflected in the advanced metrics as well. Santander finished with a -0.9 fWAR, tied for the worst on the team alongside reliever Chad Green, who was designated for assignment in July after posting a 5.57 ERA.
Santander's 61 wRC+ ranked last among all Blue Jays hitters with at least 50 plate appearances.
The switch-hitter missed a significant portion of the year with a left shoulder injury, which likely compromised his performance when he was on the field.
With a full offseason to rehab, he's positioned as a prime bounce-back candidate heading into 2026.
There were even small flashes of optimism in the 2025 postseason, when Santander collected three hits and drove in two runs.
While the sample size was limited, it served as a reminder of the offensive upside he still possesses.
ANTHONY SANTANDER!!! 6-1 BLUE JAYS 🗣️🗣️
Santander will have a real opportunity to provide a boost to the Blue Jays offense in 2026
MLB insider Jon Morosi echoed that sentiment on MLB Network, noting that a healthy and productive Santander could provide a major boost to Toronto's lineup.
Anthony Santander's HR totals the previous seasons before 2025 ⬇️
2022: 33
2023: 28
2024: 44
Jon Morosi thinks a bounce-back season from Santander could be a big boost to the Blue Jays lineup in 2026.
2022: 33
2023: 28
2024: 44
Jon Morosi thinks a bounce-back season from Santander could be a big boost to the Blue Jays lineup in 2026.
According to Morosi, Santander is entering Spring Training healthy, though the Blue Jays plan to manage his workload carefully.
The team will monitor his games played and plate appearances as he ramps up for Grapefruit League action.
Toronto enjoyed a highly successful 2025 season despite receiving minimal contributions from Santander, but the ceiling is even higher if he can return to form.
From 2022 to 2024, Santander ranked sixth in Major League Baseball in home runs, and rediscovering that level of production would be a game-changer for the Blue Jays.
Given his track record, Santander deserves the chance to prove he can once again be that player - and if he does, Toronto's offense could reach another level.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 27|61 ANSWERS MLB Network: Blue Jays' Anthony Santander bounce-back season could be an offensive X-Factor in 2026 Do you think Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander will redeem himself in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 55.7 % |
| No | 13 | 21.3 % |
| Too early to tell | 14 | 23 % |
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