Article: Anthony Santander’s Impending Return Could Make Things Complicated

[Bryan Jaeger]

Hopes were high after the Blue Jays signed 2024 Silver Slugger Anthony Santander to a five-year, $92.5 million contract this past offseason. But his debut season with the team has been rough. Expected to be a key contributor, Santander struggled before being placed on the injured list on May 29 with left shoulder inflammation. He hit .179/.273/.304 with 14 runs, six home runs, 18 knocked in, and 55 strikeouts over 209 plate appearances before his injury.

While Santander struggled and spent time on the injured list, the Blue Jays thrived, working their way to the top of the AL East and the best record in the American League. This now forces manager John Schneider to weigh whether reintroducing Santander, in the hope that he regains his 2024 form, is worth disrupting a well-performing lineup — or if maintaining chemistry is the smarter move, even if it means sidelining Toronto's $92.5 million signing.

Santander began a rehab assignment last Thursday, and his numbers for Triple-A Buffalo have been modest: a .222/.364/.444 batting line and an .808 OPS over 22 plate appearances. To his credit, he has shown patience at the plate, drawing four walks, and two of his four hits have gone for extra bases. If he continues to improve, the Blue Jays will face a tough decision about his fit — especially after Bo Bichette's September 6 knee sprain. The shortstop will not return before the end of the regular season (per Sportnet's Arden Zwelling), though Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports he could return in the postseason.

Since Bichette's injury, Schneider has reshuffled his infield to fill the void. Andrés Giménez has moved to shortstop, Ernie Clement is spending more time at second base, and Addison Barger has come in from right field to take more regular reps at third. This change has allowed Nathan Lukes and Davis Schneider more opportunities in right and left field, respectively, while Daulton Varsho remains a fixture in center.

George Springer has been the primary designated hitter this season, which may be a contributing factor to his success. More time off his feet could be what's helping him stay fresh and productive. What's more, playing Springer in the field could mean removing fellow righty-batting outfielder Schneider, who has had a solid second half (.256/.358/.489, .847 OPS, 136 wRC+) despite a slump in September (.182/.296/.318, .614 OPS, 74 wRC+). Schneider needs at-bats to recover in time for the postseason.

Santander made his first outfield appearance for the Bisons on Wednesday, and he has until September 21 to prove he's ready, because that's when Triple-A Buffalo's season ends. This timeline gives him only a few more days to demonstrate that he's back to full strength. The Blue Jays will then have to make a complicated decision regarding the roster for the remainder of the season.

For one thing, the Blue Jays will need to free up space for Santander on the 40-man roster, which likely means designating someone else for assignment. Then, for Santander to be added to the 28-man roster, Joey Loperfido would likely be removed. Loperfido has been shuttling between Triple A and the majors this season, making him the most viable option. Yet bringing Santander back also means the team will have to give him at-bats, likely at the expense of Schneider, who has been dependable more often than not and needs playing time to rediscover his July form.

Myles Straw and Ty France are two other options, but they are unlikely to go due to their contract status and defensive positions. Unlike Loperfido, neither Straw nor France can be optioned to minors. Moreover, Straw has been steady in the outfield, playing all three spots well and hitting .264/.314/.366 with a .680 OPS. France has been solid since coming over from the Twins. The veteran first baseman has backed up Vladimir Guerrero Jr., hitting .301/.348/.410 since the trade, with a .757 OPS. 

It's also worth considering the potential ramifications for the playoffs. Rosters shrink from 28 back down to 26 in the postseason. If Santander makes the ALDS roster, another position player from the current group (in addition to Loperfido) will most likely lose their spot. The situation only becomes more complicated if/when Bichette returns. With Buffalo's season ending soon, he likely won't have time to go on a proper rehab assignment for his knee, which might mean he is only able to return as a DH, forcing further corner outfield adjustments.

Springer's spot in right field would be secure, leaving one final opening in the starting outfield to be shared by whichever of Santander, Lukes, Schneider, and Straw are on the postseason roster.

The Blue Jays, 59-34 since the beginning of June, have been making things look easy lately, but soon, they'll have to make some very difficult decisions. Hopefully, Santander will come out swinging and quickly make all of those decisions worthwhile. 

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