The Toronto Blue Jays reside in one of the toughest divisions in Major League Baseball, the American League East.
In a division that includes the likes of the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays will need to stay aggressive in the offseason to stay out.
While the Blue Jays tried to be aggressive and pursued multiple free agents, including Juan Soto, Corbin Burns and Rocky Sasaki, they were unable to sign any of these big name players.
The Blue Jays finally broke through, however, as they signed free agent shortstop Anthony Santander from the Baltimore Orioles.
According to MLB Network’s “X,” the starting lineup for the Blue Jays after signing Santander has been released.
The Blue Jays have reportedly added Anthony Santander to the middle of their lineup. pic.twitter.com/oRUVsU6zft
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 20, 2025
MLB fans took to social media to express their reaction to the Blue Jays’ projected lineup.
Not bad
— Jeff Bates (@rangersfanjeff) January 20, 2025
It looks great if they can get on the field
— DW (@UdubDdub) January 20, 2025
Not a good enough team to make the playoffs.
— Ronnie Ortega (@ortega_ronnie) January 20, 2025
Still need 1 more bat
— Alex Johnston (@Alex_Johnston8) January 20, 2025
Fan reactions were apparently divided. some of them said the lineup looked good, while others said they needed at least one more bat.
Santander is 30 years old and comes over from the Orioles, where he played the last eight seasons after entering the majors in 2017.
In 2024, Santander played in 155 games where he batted .235 with 44 home runs, 102 RBI and an .814 OPS.
Santander had career highs in runs scored, home runs, RBIs and walks in 2024, which should give the Blue Jays hope that he can repeat that production in future years.
The Blue Jays will likely remain in pursuit of other free agents this offseason, but they finally broke through and signed one of the big-name players they wanted.
NEXT: The analyst revealed interesting details about Anthony Santander’s contract
