Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander is preparing for left labral surgery this Wednesday. Reports indicate that he is expected to miss approximately five to six months of action due to this procedure.
Injury History
Santander’s recent challenges began in January when he encountered a setback while preparing for the new season. In his inaugural season with the Blue Jays, he dealt with left shoulder inflammation that sidelined him for two months. A back injury also prevented him from participating in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), effectively ending his season prematurely.
Contract and Performance
After signing a five-year contract worth $92.5 million, Santander played in just 59 games, including postseason appearances. His offensive performance fell short during that time, recording a batting average of .175 with an on-base percentage of .271 and a slugging percentage of .294. In total, he hit six home runs across 221 plate appearances.
Previous Achievements
Prior to joining the Blue Jays, Santander enjoyed a standout season with the Baltimore Orioles, where he hit 44 home runs and earned Silver Slugger honors. Despite a successful prior campaign, his transition to Toronto has been marred by injury and inconsistency at the plate.
Defensive Contributions
During the last season, Santander split his time between the outfield and designated hitter, with 22 games in the field and 30 as DH. He also made an appearance at first base. His defensive metrics have fluctuated; Outs Above Average rated him at -2 in 2025, while Defensive Runs Saved considered him to have a neutral rating.
Future Outlook
Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins provided insights into the club’s plans following Santander’s injury. Currently, the team is not actively seeking an outfield addition. Instead, they are considering Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes for corner outfield positions against right-handed pitchers. Davis Schneider and Myles Straw may also contribute, especially in late-game situations. George Springer is expected to manage DH responsibilities.
Conclusion
As the Blue Jays navigate Santander’s recovery and roster adjustments, fans will be eager to see how the team adapts during the upcoming season.
