Santander named Blue Jays player most primed for a comeback in 2026
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Anthony Santander's first season in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform did not go according to plan. Things are likely to be different in 2026.
Expectations were high when Ross Atkins and his front office pried Santander away from the Baltimore Orioles and signed him to a five year contract prior to the 2025 season.
However, after getting off to a slow start, the 2024 Silver Slugger Award Winner spent much of last season on the injured list, ultimately appearing in just 54 games for the Blue Jays, while batting .175 with six home runs.
The Blue Jays need a bounceback campaign from Anthony Santander in 2026
He was also removed from the postseason roster after injuring his shoulder during the American League Championship Series and did not play in the World Series against the Dodgers.
Santander, who hit 44 home runs in 2024, can be an impact bat while healthy. Prior to last year, he had played in at least 110 games from 2021-2024, and 150 or more in a three year span.
The good news, according to Blue Jays beat reporter Keegan Matheson, is that the bar is low.
Blue Jays: OF Anthony Santander
The good news? The bar is low. Santander's Blue Jays debut was a mess, unfortunately, as his slow start eventually snowballed with a left shoulder injury he couldn't shake. The end result was a .175 average and .565 OPS over just 54 games. The Blue Jays need Santander to rebound, though, and show them flashes of the hitter who signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal last offseason. That's still in there, of course, but he'll need to stay healthy and find a way to soften the slow starts he's become known for in his career.
The good news? The bar is low. Santander's Blue Jays debut was a mess, unfortunately, as his slow start eventually snowballed with a left shoulder injury he couldn't shake. The end result was a .175 average and .565 OPS over just 54 games. The Blue Jays need Santander to rebound, though, and show them flashes of the hitter who signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal last offseason. That's still in there, of course, but he'll need to stay healthy and find a way to soften the slow starts he's become known for in his career.
Santander can hit, but where will he play?
If Santander is able to maintain his health, a bigger question might become where he will receive most of his playing time. Throughout his career, he has played both corner outfield positions and has received a huge chunk of playing at designated hitter. He also the ability to back up first base in a pinch.
While George Springer took on the bulk of DH duties last year, he is the better fielder between the two of them.
That is a problem for later however. Right now, Santander just needs to get - and stay - healthy.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 28 | 78 ANSWERS Santander named Blue Jays player most primed for a comeback in 2026 Will Anthony Santander have a bounce back season? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 65.4 % |
| No | 27 | 34.6 % |
| List of polls | ||