While the Toronto Blue Jays will have some uncertainty this season for a variety of reasons, one new face on the team is likely excited for a fresh start. That new face is Anthony Santander.
The former Baltimore Oriole has slugged 105 home runs over the past three years, making him one of the most under-appreciated stars in MLB.
Santander's was one of the premier bats available in free agency this offseason, which is a big reason why Toronto signed him to a five-year, $92.5 million contract in free agency. And not only will Santander give the Blue Jays' lineup an extra lift, he'll also provide a ton of help to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Anthony Santander can be a big help to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2025
Last season, Guerrero didn't have much help in the Blue Jays' lineup. He spent most of the season batting around George Springer, Alejandro Kirk, Davis Schneider, Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho, but they all had down years. Now, Santander's available to provide some protection.
Santander is coming off a career year with the Orioles where he hit 44 home runs and drove in 102 runs en route to a Silver Slugger win.
Guerrero led the Blue Jays last season with 30 home runs last season, but no other Blue Jay hit more than 20 home runs (George Springer was in second with 19).
Guerrero should be even better now that he can either hit in front of or behind a player who has unparalleled power, which is why both players could be in line for big seasons in 2025.
Anthony Santander: The Home Run Extraordinaire pic.twitter.com/pguEw5IdgP
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 11, 2024
Guerrero will be a free agent after this season and his future is up in the air, so the Blue Jays should be doing everything in their power to show him that his future should be in Toronto.
If Santander puts up an excellent season, it could serve as a sweetener to show Guerrero why he should stay in Toronto.
Guerrero having protection in the lineup in the form of a guy who who can hit the ball out of the park at any time should scare the rest of the American League. The Blue Jays know what they'll get from Guerrero, but there's a chance he could reach a new level thanks to Santander.
Santander should also get a boost from playing in Rogers Centre, which is more of a hitter's ballpark than Camden Yards, which had the deep wall in left field over the past couple years.
The Blue Jays can't wait for Santander to make his debut when the regular season starts in two weeks. While a big year from Santander would help Toronto in 2025, it could also help Toronto's future.
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