"Look at what they've done with Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto" - Blue Jays analyst claims finance not an issue for Toronto, names logical free agent fit

The Toronto Blue Jays had an underwhelming season in 2024 as they finished bottom of the American League East with a 74-88 record. The Blue Jays have been looking to strengthen to roster in the offseason, especially the offense, but so far have failed to land any major name.

The Jays were one of the teams linked with a move for superstar slugger Juan Soto and were willing to splash big on him, just like they wanted to on Shohei Ohtani last offseason. However, Soto signed a blockbuster $765 million deal with the New York Mets instead.

The AL East team is on the lookout for a powerful bat to compliment Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in Toronto. All-Star outfielder Anthony Santander fits the bill for the Jays according to analyst Keegan Matheson.

He said in a conversation with MLB Network (0:40 onwards):

"This team has money. Look at what they've done at the stadium, look what they've done to their spring complex, look what they've spent the last few years and look what they've done with Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. They've gone pretty far down those roads. The money is there if they want it to be and at this point, they've got to do something about Anthony Santander, who looks like the best bet the most logical at this point."

Anthony Santander had the best year of his MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024. The 30-year-old had a career-high 44 home runs and 102 RBI in the Orioles' run through to the postseason. He earned his maiden All-Star nod before walking into free agency in the offseason.

Blue Jays reportedly table four-year deal for Anthony Santander

The Blue Jays reportedly offered a four-year, $82 million contract to Anthony Santander earlier this week. MLB analyst Keegan Matheson feels the Jays could go up to offer $100 million over four years, even though the AAV feels a bit high for the Blue Jays.

He said:

"I think it certainly could ($100 million over four years), but that would be on the high end for the Blue Jays, of course; if it's under that $25 mil a year AAV, that would be much better given the finances."

Signing Anthony Santander will not only strengthen the Blue Jays offense but it will also be a blow to AL East rivals, the Orioles, who are reportedly interested in bringing back the slugger.