As of January 22, 2025, Anthony Santander’s recent decision to sign a lucrative $92.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays marks a significant shift in his career. The powerful outfielder, who spent several seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, made headlines when he announced his departure from the Orioles after signing with the Blue Jays. This move, while celebrated by Toronto fans, has stirred up feelings of mixed emotions for Santander, particularly as he reflects on his time in Baltimore and his thoughts on his new opportunity.
A Look Back at Baltimore
Anthony Santander’s tenure with the Baltimore Orioles was a period of both personal growth and organizational rebuilding. Acquired by the Orioles in 2016 as part of a trade with the Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians), Santander quickly became a fixture in the team’s outfield. Known for his power-hitting ability, Santander emerged as one of the Orioles’ most consistent contributors in an often turbulent period for the team.
Santander’s time in Baltimore also coincided with the Orioles’ rebuilding phase, which saw the franchise transition from a competitive, playoff-contending team to one in search of a new direction. While this period was difficult for many Orioles fans, Santander was a bright spot in the lineup, often providing timely home runs and solid defense. He helped the Orioles stay competitive in a tough American League East division, where powerhouses like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox dominated.
However, despite his contributions, the Orioles were unable to turn their fortunes around during Santander’s tenure. The team’s focus on rebuilding meant that the focus was often on developing young talent rather than competing for immediate success. For Santander, this reality led to mixed feelings as his individual career began to rise, but team success remained elusive. His love for the city of Baltimore, the Orioles’ fans, and his teammates never wavered, but the challenge of being a part of a franchise in transition was palpable.
Santander’s departure from Baltimore, while inevitable given the nature of free agency, left many Orioles fans feeling bittersweet. They admired his loyalty and appreciated his consistency, but the lack of postseason appearances and the Orioles’ slow climb out of their rebuilding phase created a sense of frustration for both the player and the fanbase.
The Move to Toronto: A New Chapter
When the Toronto Blue Jays came calling with a five-year, $92.5 million contract offer, Santander found himself at a crossroads. The Blue Jays, a team with a young, talented core, were on the rise and had positioned themselves as legitimate contenders in the American League. With players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Alek Manoah leading the charge, the Blue Jays offered Santander an opportunity to compete for a championship, something that had eluded him during his years with Baltimore.
“I’ve always wanted to compete at the highest level,” Santander said in an interview shortly after signing with Toronto. “The Blue Jays are a team that’s built to win now, and I’m excited to be a part of that. Baltimore will always hold a special place in my heart, but I knew that this was the right time for a new challenge.”
While Santander expressed nothing but gratitude for the time he spent in Baltimore, his move to Toronto represents a shift in priorities. Toronto’s competitive window is wide open, and Santander’s addition gives the Blue Jays another dynamic bat in the lineup. With his ability to hit for power and drive in runs, Santander’s presence is expected to provide a valuable boost to a Toronto offense that is already one of the most potent in the league.
The Emotions of Leaving Baltimore
Despite the excitement surrounding his new opportunity in Toronto, Santander admitted that leaving Baltimore was not an easy decision. The Orioles organization, the city of Baltimore, and its fans had been a major part of his life for nearly a decade. It was a community that had supported him through thick and thin, and the emotional connection was undeniable.
In his farewell message to Orioles fans, Santander wrote: “I want to thank the entire Baltimore Orioles organization and the amazing fans who have supported me since day one. My time in Baltimore has been incredibly special, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to wear the Orioles uniform. The city and the fans will always have a place in my heart. I will miss the energy of Camden Yards, the passion of the fans, and the friendships I’ve built along the way.”
One of the most poignant aspects of Santander’s departure was his relationship with the fans. Throughout his years in Baltimore, Santander had earned a reputation as a player who gave his all on the field. His hard-nosed style of play and commitment to the team made him a fan favorite, and he was often seen interacting with fans and giving back to the community. His departure marks the end of an era for the Orioles, as he was one of the last remaining players from their previous competitive roster.
“It’s a strange feeling, honestly,” Santander explained. “I’ve made so many memories with the Orioles, and I’ll miss the fans and the energy of Camden Yards. But this is part of the business of baseball, and I have to keep pushing forward. Toronto offers a new opportunity for me to grow, and I’m excited to be a part of a team that is on the rise.”
The Future in Toronto
Looking ahead, Santander is optimistic about his future with the Toronto Blue Jays. His new team is one of the most promising in the American League, and the expectations are high. The addition of Santander to an already star-studded roster brings a new dimension to the Blue Jays’ offense. His ability to hit for power and provide protection for the team’s other big hitters makes him a crucial piece in Toronto’s pursuit of a championship.
Santander’s arrival in Toronto also provides an opportunity for him to work with some of the game’s brightest young stars. He is excited about the chance to mentor and learn from some of the best players in the game, including Guerrero Jr. and Bichette. “I’ve watched these guys from afar, and now I’m excited to be on the same team,” Santander said. “They’re incredible players, and I think we have the potential to do something special here.”
With the Blue Jays looking to build on their playoff success and take the next step toward a World Series title, Santander’s role will be critical. His bat could be the missing piece that pushes Toronto over the top, especially in a division as competitive as the AL East.
