Spring Training kicked off with a jolt for the Toronto Blue Jays as they faced the tough news of Anthony Santander's extended absence. After undergoing left labral surgery, Santander is expected to be sidelined for 5-6 months. This is a significant blow for the Jays, who were counting on him to fill the void left by Bo Bichette's departure and the unsuccessful bid for Kyle Tucker.
The timing couldn't be worse for Santander, who was eager to rebound from a challenging 2025 season. His frustration is palpable, as he grapples with the setback.
During a media session, Santander shared his disappointment, revealing that the MRIs from 2025 didn't fully capture the extent of his shoulder injury. It wasn't until he resumed training in January that the full picture emerged, leading to the decision for surgery.
"It's tough to handle situations like this," Santander expressed through an interpreter. "As a player, you want to be out there every day, especially after signing a new contract.
But injuries are beyond our control. I'm doing everything I can to get back on the field with my teammates."
Santander's five-year, $95 million contract, signed before the 2025 season, has seen him play only 54 games, hitting six home runs and driving in 18 RBIs. His return for the 2025 Postseason was short-lived, as the same shoulder injury sidelined him after Game 3 of the ALCS.
With Santander now expected to miss another substantial chunk of games, the Blue Jays are forced to adjust. They've traded Joey Loperfido to the Houston Astros in exchange for Jesus Sanchez. As Spring Training unfolds, Toronto will likely explore their bench depth, utilizing players like Sanchez, Davis Schneider, Nathan Lukes, and Myles Straw to fill the void in the outfield.
Spring Training offers the perfect opportunity to experiment with lineups and defensive strategies. As games begin this weekend, the Blue Jays will be looking to find the right mix to compensate for Santander's absence and keep their competitive edge.