Blue Jays' offer to Anthony Santander might say everything about Alex Bregman pursuit

The Toronto Blue Jays desperately need to make a significant move this offseason, but they need to make sure they do the right one. The organizations long term future does not look great, but if they play their cards right, they can continue to have success.

After missing a handful of major free agents, the Blue Jays have reportedly shifted their focus to Anthony Santander, who they recently offered a contract. Toronto is not the only team interested as the Angels and Tigers are also involved in the bidding.

Santander would be a solid addition to the lineup to be sure as he belted 44 home runs, driving in 102, generating an OPS of .814, and putting up a wRC+ of 129. His switch-hitting bat is very valuable and in addition to being a major subtraction from a big division rival in Baltimore.

Although Santander could be a great addition, is it really the news Blue Jays fans really want to hear? There are ways to take this news both sides, but it shuts down a major opportunity for another big time free agent. That is Alex Bregman, who makes a lot of sense for Toronto and is possibly a great long term replacement for Bo Bichette.

Blue Jays offer to Anthony Santander may halt any possibility of Toronto getting Alex Bregman.

The outfield is a definite area of need, but if Bichette is traded or becomes a free agent after the 2025 season, the left side of the infield would become rather weak. There is also Vladimir Guerrero's uncertain future to consider and if the Blue Jays want to continue attracting top talent, Bregman is the type of player that would be a draw for prospective free agents if Guerrero Jr. leaves. Those reasons just top off how much of an impact Bregman would make to the organization.

Both players here of course would improve the overall lineup and getting both might not exactly be a realistic expectation. The recent offer to Santander likely marks less of an attempt for Bregman in Toronto or at least a lack of an appetite to meet his current demands, but he would likely be a logical pivot assuming he is still available if they cannot agree to terms with Santander.

Time will tell what happens, but it looks like Santander is the priority for Toronto at the moment. Adding his powerful bat to the lineup will only help the Blue Jays improve in 2025 even if he may not be the best option, from a baseball perspective, available to them.

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