Anthony Santander Blue Jays contract just got far worse with nightmare injury update

When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Anthony Santander to a lucrative five-year deal before the 2025 season, there were some skeptics out there. Santander was coming off a fine season with the Orioles and fulfilled a lineup need, but the demand for hit tool-challenged sluggers in their 30's with little-to-no defensive value isn't what it used to be and such players tend to age poorly.

Nevertheless, the Blue Jays soldiered on with the move and even though Santander missed a bunch of time in 2025 with shoulder issues, many thought he could bounce back and be just fine. If Santander is in peak form, the Blue Jays' lineup can hang with just about anyone in all of baseball.

Unfortunately, those shoulder issues never really went away and on Tuesday, it was revealed that, unfortunately, Santander needs shoulder surgery and will miss at least the next five to six months.

Anthony Santander needs shoulder surgery, will miss 5-6 months

To say this development is disappointing may be a gross understatement. Toronto did such a good job of striking early on the free agent market coming off their World Series appearance this offseason, so to endure this setback just stinks. Santander wasn't being relied upon to carry the offense like he often had to with the Orioles, but the Blue Jays' lineup is just better with him in it and now they will have to figure out something else.

As for Santander, he can console himself knowing that he is going to get paid regardless. There is a better than average chance that some Blue Jays fan will further question his contract and debate whether or not this situation was avoidable. It is fair to wonder, but shoulder injuries are usually the injuries that impact guys with his profile. If this was a bulky hamstring or back, that would be different.

Just like that, the Blue Jays will now have the navigate at least the first half without Santander or the recently departed Bo Bichette. Toronto did the yeoman's work of bolstering the roster. Now, they have to hope they did enough to survive this unfortunate situation.