Jesús Sánchez's defense is making us miss Anthony Santander for more than just his bat

The Toronto Blue Jays have a massive problem when Jesús Sánchez steps into the game as a left fielder.

It's a harsh and very direct statement, but it needed to be said at this stage of the season. Among Blue Jays' outfielders who played a minimum of 100 innings, Sánchez's fielding percentage is the lowest at .975. As for left field specifically, the fielding percentage drops further to .955 and is ninth-worst across the league.

However, with a rehab assignment getting underway for an old face, there's the realization that his defense is what the Blue Jays need in the outfield.

Anthony Santander's defense is just as needed as his bat in the lineup

Anthony Santander is beginning his rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo after not playing a single game in 2026 due to having surgery on his left shoulder, which dates back to the 2025 season. Aside from missing the power the Blue Jays signed him for, it's the defense that suddenly looks very attractive.

In the outfield, Santander has a career fielding percentage of .989. His fielding percentage specifically in left field sits at .981, with his best season in 2019 at a perfect 1.000. Santander is much better in right field, posting a .990 fielding percentage.

Currently on the roster, Myles Straw is the next viable candidate at left, with 65 appearances to Sánchez's 44, but Straw only has 18 starts compared to Sánchez's 39. Regardless, Straw has the better fielding percentage.

Why is that important to note? Somebody will have to be sent down or cut if Santander is cleared for action in the Major Leagues. If that happens, your only viable option would be Sánchez or Straw, but as indicated above, Straw has the better fielding and he's also been useful on the base paths. Meantime, Nathan Lukes, and Brett Bateman have been incredible options for the Blue Jays' outfield on both sides of the ball. Since Bateman's debut on Aug. 7, he and Lukes have been two of the top five offensive contributors.

Bateman leads with a .333 average, and Lukes is right behind him, tied with Alejandro Kirk with a .308 average. Kirk leads with a 138 wRC+ while Bateman (131) and Lukes (126) follow. That trio holds true in terms of overall fWAR with Kirk at 1.3, Bateman at 1.2, and Lukes at 0.8. Save to say that Lukes and Bateman will continue to see time in the lineup, regardless of who gets activated or cut.

Cutting Sánchez would most likely open the door for Straw to see left field on a more frequent basis. But with Lukes holding the fort down in right field with 73 starts, Santander would likely begin to platoon in left with Straw, which would also be needed to help him ease back into full-time action. Having a Straw-Santander tandem in left would certainly help on defense over Sánchez.

There are only 16 games left for the Blue Jays to grab that final Wild Card spot in the American League. Desperate times call for desperate measures. If Santander can help save some runs and not let them get away, Toronto may have a better chance than you think.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow