Anthony Santander’s season has come to an end.
A few hours later, it was reported that the league approved of the Blue Jays’ request, with Santander coming off the American League Championship Series roster and being replaced by Joey Loperfido. It’s worth noting that Santander is now ineligible to participate in the next series, which would be the World Series if the Blue Jays make it that far.
Signed in the off-season, the 2025 season has been a disaster for Santander. In 221 plate appearances, Santander slashed .175/.271/.294 with six home runs, a far drop from his 44 home runs hit during the 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles. Returning shortly before the postseason, Santander has slashed .200/.250/.200 with no home runs in 16 plate appearances, striking out 31.3% of the time. Santander has at least two more seasons on the contract remaining, as he has an opt-out for after the 2027 season. If he decides not to opt out, he has two more seasons under contract, with the Blue Jays having a team option for the 2030 season.
It’s also worth noting that the Blue Jays will pay Santander $5 million every year from 2035 until 2046. So, let’s hope that Santander can perform better once he returns next season. Of course, if the Blue Jays go on to win the World Series, who cares about how Santander performed this season?
Before Game 4, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi posted a video of Bichette running in the outfield, an encouraging sign that he could return at some point this postseason. However, the Jays will instead turn to Loperfido to replace Santander.
Acquired before the 2024 trade deadline for Yusei Kikuchi, Loperfido found success in limited plate appearances with the Jays in 2025, slashing .333/.379/.500 with four home runs in 104 plate appearances for a 148 wRC+. If he gets playing time, it would likely be in a pinch-hitting opportunity.
