Can Anthony Santander make any impactful meaning on this 2025 Blue Jays team?

Prior to the 2025 MLB season, the Toronto Blue Jays made a bold statement to add power in their lineup when they signed former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander. With Baltimore in 2024, Santander recorded career highs with 44 home runs and 102 runs batted in.

The Blue Jays were hoping that Santander could bring that power into a lineup that was one of the worst at hitting home runs in 2024. The 30-year-old was going to be heavily relied on in his first season in Toronto, however, 2025 has been a disaster for Santander. In 50 games played in 2025, Santander has a .179 batting average. Santander has hit just six home runs and has recorded 14 runs batted in. Santander's OPS is a low .577 and he has a negative WAR.

Santander has been out of the lineup since May 29, and the stats may show that it could be best for the Blue Jays to not have Santander in the lineup when he's ready to return.

Blue Jays have been better with Santander out of lineup

While Santander has been dealing with a shoulder injury, the Blue Jays have played themselves into a a Wild Card spot in the American League. Their players are improving in the lineup right now and it would be difficult to justify having Santander start over anyone else. The Blue Jays offense is getting contributions from just about everyone since Santander went down.

Catcher Alejandro Kirk has been one of the biggest surprises, batting over .350 since Santander was sidelined with just 8 strikeouts and 7 walks in 21 games. He's hit four home runs, with 17 RBIs and an OPS of .950.

Guerrero Jr. and Bichette have been solid in 2025 and have stepped up with Santander out. Bichette is slashing .283/.306/.500 in 24 games and Vladdy is adding in a .287/.392/.517 slash line with a .909 OPS in 23 games. Springer has also seen a big improvement this season as well and is hitting .289/.340/.542 since May 29.

However, there's one player not many expected to make a jump in 2025 with the Blue Jays who is helping the team big time. That player is Ernie Clement. In 2025, Clement has been a major unsung hero for the Blue Jays. While he doesn't hit for much power, Clement has been solid with his hitting with a batting average over .300. Clement is third on the Blue Jays in hits and second on the team in doubles.

The Blue Jays had a 28-28 record at the time Santander last played and they have gone 14-9 since then (going into Thursdays game) and currently holding a Wild Card spot in the American League. It's clear that without Santander, the Blue Jays have been doing better. When Santander is healthy to return, his spot in the lineup could be in question.