Baltimore Orioles’ Santander’s Free Agency Sparking a Cross-Border Switch to Toronto Blue Jays

In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), free agency is a time for players to explore new opportunities, sign lucrative contracts, and make significant changes in their careers. For some, it offers the chance to join a team with a championship pedigree, while for others, it’s simply an opportunity to find a fresh start. One of the most intriguing free-agent stories of 2025 revolves around Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander, whose impending departure from the Orioles has generated significant buzz in both the U.S. and Canada.

The 2025 MLB offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Toronto Blue Jays, and the potential signing of Santander could have far-reaching implications. A talented and versatile outfielder, Santander would not only bolster the Blue Jays’ lineup but also help solidify their position as contenders in the American League East. But how did we get here? What would a move to the Toronto Blue Jays mean for Santander, the Orioles, and the balance of power in the AL East?

Santander’s Journey with the Baltimore Orioles

Before diving into the speculation surrounding Santander’s free agency, it’s essential to first appreciate his journey with the Orioles. Since making his MLB debut in 2017, Santander has been one of the most consistent hitters in Baltimore’s lineup. Known for his power and ability to drive in runs, Santander quickly became a fan favorite and one of the building blocks of the Orioles’ rebuilding project.

Over his seven years in Baltimore, Santander developed into one of the more reliable outfielders in the AL. His combination of power and defensive capability allowed him to become a versatile player who could be plugged into various positions in the outfield. By 2023, Santander was firmly entrenched as a core player for the Orioles, contributing heavily both offensively and defensively.

One of Santander’s standout seasons came in 2021, when he hit 18 home runs and posted an impressive .249 batting average. Despite the Orioles’ struggles as a team, Santander’s consistency kept him in the spotlight. As the Orioles slowly began to build a more competitive roster, Santander’s value as both a player and a leader in the clubhouse became even more pronounced.

By 2024, however, the Orioles found themselves in the midst of a more competitive phase, with the team contending for playoff spots and showcasing a promising young core. As Baltimore’s future looked bright, Santander’s free agency loomed large. With just one year remaining on his contract in 2024, many began to wonder if the Orioles would be able to retain him for the long term or if he would test the open market.

The Shift Toward Free Agency

When Santander entered free agency in 2025, the timing seemed right for him to make a move. At 29 years old, he was entering the prime years of his career, and a long-term, lucrative deal was well within reach. Santander’s combination of hitting ability and defensive flexibility made him an appealing option for a variety of teams.

While the Orioles would likely have liked to keep him, the team was facing an internal decision about how to allocate resources as they built a championship-caliber roster. The Orioles had a wealth of young talent, and it was unclear whether they would prioritize re-signing Santander or focusing their financial efforts elsewhere. This uncertainty opened the door for other clubs to make a play for the outfielder, with the Toronto Blue Jays emerging as one of the most intriguing suitors.

The Toronto Blue Jays: A Team on the Rise

The Toronto Blue Jays have spent the last several years assembling a roster capable of contending for a World Series title. Led by a young, dynamic core featuring players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Alek Manoah, the Blue Jays have become one of the most exciting teams in MLB. However, as with any young team, there are still areas that need improvement.

In 2024, the Blue Jays fell just short of a deep postseason run, but the team showed flashes of brilliance. Their offense, anchored by Guerrero and Bichette, was one of the best in the league. However, their pitching staff remained inconsistent, and the team struggled to find the right balance of offense and defense throughout the year.

One area where the Blue Jays could use an upgrade is in the outfield. While the team has talent in the outfield, particularly with George Springer and the promising Lourdes Gurriel Jr., adding a player like Santander would provide a significant boost. Santander’s power would complement the Blue Jays’ lineup, giving them another bat capable of hitting for both average and power. Furthermore, his defensive versatility would allow him to slot in at multiple positions, providing manager John Schneider with more flexibility in his lineup construction.

Why Santander Makes Sense for the Blue Jays

There are several reasons why a move to the Toronto Blue Jays makes sense for Santander. The team is in a prime position to contend for a championship, and Santander’s skill set would address multiple needs for the Blue Jays.

1. Offensive Power: Santander’s ability to hit for power would be a huge asset for the Blue Jays. Although Toronto already boasts some heavy hitters, adding Santander would provide another bat in the middle of their lineup capable of driving in runs and hitting home runs. In a division as competitive as the AL East, having a potent offense is crucial, and Santander would only enhance the Blue Jays’ already formidable attack.

2. Defensive Versatility: Santander has experience playing both corner outfield spots and has even seen time in center field. This versatility would give the Blue Jays the flexibility to move players around as needed, ensuring they put their best defensive unit on the field every day. In a division where teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are known for their offensive firepower, having strong defensive players is essential to winning games.

3. Leadership and Veteran Presence: As a player who has spent nearly a decade in the majors, Santander brings a level of leadership and experience that would be valuable for a team with a young core like the Blue Jays. He has dealt with both the highs and lows of being a major league player, and his maturity could help guide the team through the rigors of a long season and postseason play.

4. Championship Contention: For Santander, joining a team like the Blue Jays could be his best chance to compete for a World Series title. While the Orioles are improving, they are still in the early stages of their competitive window, and Santander may see the Blue Jays as a more immediate contender. The opportunity to play in Toronto, a city with a passionate fanbase and a team on the rise, could be a major draw for him.

Impact on the Orioles

The departure of Santander would undoubtedly be a blow to the Orioles. As one of the team’s most productive players, losing him would create a significant hole in both the outfield and the middle of their lineup. The Orioles would have to look for ways to replace his power and consistency, which could be difficult given the current state of the market and their financial constraints.

That said, the Orioles have a wealth of young talent, and their rebuilding efforts are showing promise. The team has several promising outfielders coming through the pipeline, including highly ranked prospects like Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad. While replacing Santander’s contributions might be difficult, the Orioles may be able to fill the void through internal development, which would allow them to focus their resources on other areas of the roster.