When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Anthony Santander to a five-year, $92.5 million deal during the offseason, expectations were high that he would strengthen the middle of their batting lineup. However, Santander struggling in first Toronto season has become a significant issue, as his performance has fallen far short of those hopes. As of Friday, he was batting just .179 over 184 at-bats and was placed on the 10-day injured list due to left shoulder inflammation.
His underwhelming start is a stark contrast to his recent success when he was a key power hitter. Last year, Santander hit a career-best 44 home runs during an All-Star campaign with the Baltimore Orioles, but this year he has only managed six homers in 50 games. While injuries to his hip and shoulder have played a role in limiting his power, they do not fully explain the disappointing output he has delivered so far in Toronto.
Performance Metrics Reveal Deeper Issues at the Plate
Santander’s offensive numbers paint a troubling picture beyond the low home run total. His on-base percentage stands at a weak .273, and his OPS (on-base plus slugging) has dropped to .577—figures that highlight his struggle to get on base and contribute offensively. His chase rate, at 31.5%, indicates he is swinging at pitches out of the strike zone more frequently, which further hinders his effectiveness.
While Santander has displayed flashes of his former power, including notable home runs against the Red Sox and Padres, these moments have been overshadowed by many unproductive at-bats. His reputation as a slow starter—sometimes known as “Tony Taters”—has extended into this season, but now that it is nearly June, this slow beginning has become more concerning. He hit just .175 across 29 games in March and April, then posted a .186 average in May with only two home runs.
He has produced multi-hit games only seven times this year and ranks in the bottom percentiles for expected batting average and slugging percentage. This continued downturn raises major questions about his ability to regain form and justify his large contract.
Injury Timeline and Impact on Team’s Playoff Chances
The extent of Santander’s shoulder injury remains uncertain. Blue Jays manager John Schneider admitted that the team does not yet know whether Santander’s recovery plan will involve an injection or a rehabilitation program, suggesting that he could miss a significant amount of time this month. His absence compounds challenges for Toronto’s free-agent signings, as fellow star Max Scherzer is also sidelined, with neither expected back until the end of June at the earliest.
Despite this, the Blue Jays have received strong offensive contributions from the lower part of their lineup, along with resurgence from players like Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho. Still, to remain competitive and maintain a legitimate postseason chance, Toronto will need Anthony Santander to return to form and add production in the middle of the order.
Opportunities for Emerging Players Amidst Santander’s Struggles
In light of Santander’s difficulties, outfielder Roden is set to receive another opportunity in the major leagues after a disappointing initial stint with the Blue Jays. Roden has been performing exceptionally well in Triple-A, maintaining a .361 batting average over 18 games and demonstrating versatility by playing all three outfield positions. This flexibility and strong performance should ensure he gains substantial playing time while Santander recovers.