The Toronto Blue Jays and their fans have had a disappointing offseason so far.
After pursuing numerous top free agents, they were unable to sign any of them.
Some of the players the Blue Jays have been short on include top free agent Juan Soto, top starter Corbin Burns and starter Rocky Sasaki.
However, the Blue Jays finally made a foray into free agency as they signed outfielder Anthony Santander to the Blue Jays from the Baltimore Orioles.
MLB analyst Ari Alexander revealed an interesting detail regarding Santander’s contract with the Blue Jays.
According to Alexander’s personal “X” account, Santander’s contract has been delayed by more than $35 million, which could exceed $50 million depending on the progress of the contract.
Source: Anthony Santander’s contract has been deferred for more than $35 million, which could exceed $50 million depending on the contract’s progress*
*If a player opts out vs. no opt-out vs. the team, the chance to cancel https://t.co/MhWfjL3og0
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) January 20, 2025
The deal was initially reported to be worth $92.5 million over five years, the Santander team said.
While the specifics of the contract can be confusing, the Blue Jays finally got the big free agent signing they’ve been trying to get all offseason.
Santander, 30, joined the league in 2017 with the Orioles.
He has played in all eight seasons of his MLB career.
In 2024, Santander had a career year.
He played in 155 games and hit .235 with 44 home runs, 102 RBI and an .814 OPS.
Deferred amounts in contracts appear to be becoming more common, as Shohei Ohtani’s deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers this past offseason mostly contained deferred money.
Santander will look to continue their strength in 2025 with their new team and help them return to the postseason.
NEXT: Analyst reveals what Anthony Santander will bring to the Blue Jays
