Blue Jays could steal veteran slugger away from rival Orioles | Sporting News

The Toronto Blue Jays had a miserable 2024 season. After missing out on Shohei Ohtani last offseason, the team went 74-88 and finished in last place in the American League East.

However, they appear to have plans to compete again in 2025 and have already been linked to some very prominent free agents, including one from their division rivals, the Baltimore Orioles.

Manny Randhawa of MLB.com listed several free agents that could jump ship to a division rival and had the Blue Jays stealing Anthony Santander away from Baltimore.

“The Jays are coming off a disappointing showing in 2024, going from speculation that they would land Shohei Ohtani at the beginning of the year to a 74-88 season. Toronto has been in the mix for [Juan] Soto, including a report Monday of a “widespread belief” in the industry that the Blue Jays will end up being Soto’s highest bidder. But if Soto signs elsewhere, Toronto could pivot to Santander, who would instantly beef up a lineup that already features Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette,” Randhawa wrote.

“Santander is coming off a campaign in which he smashed a career-high 44 homers for the Orioles. If Bichette can bounce back from a subpar season at the plate and Guerrero builds on his excellent .940 OPS in 2024, the Jays’ offense suddenly becomes much more formidable by adding Santander.”

The Blue Jays need some offense after a disappointing 2024 season. Even though they are in the mix for Soto, it might be a reach that he actually signs in Toronto, in which case the Blue Jays would need to pivot to another bat.

Santander would be a good fit for the team. Despite hitting just .235, he hit 44 home runs and had 102 RBI to go along with a .506 slugging percentage and .814 OPS.

He’ll be expensive, but if the Blue Jays are in the mix for Soto and can’t land him, Santander would be a good backup plan.

More MLB: Blue Jays predicted to sign 4-time All-Star to blockbuster $225 million deal