The Toronto Blue Jays entered the offseason looking for a game-changing addition to boost their offense. Instead, they ended up paying big money for a player batting just .174
On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeff Passan says that it's time to hit the panic botton over Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santader.
Jackson Roberts from The Sporting News writes that Santander joined the Blue Jays on a five-year, $92.5 million deal that includes a club option for 2030, and was quickly penciled in as the team's number-three hitter. Fresh off his first All-Star nod, Santander appeared poised to be a potential game-changer in Toronto.
"Instead, the first month of Santander's season has gone about as poorly as it possibly could have. In addition to the .174/.260/.294 slash line, the 30-year-old has been worth -0.6 bWAR and sports an OPS+ of 59." -Roberts
ESPN's Jeff Passan also weighed in with his level of concern for the Blue Jays outfielder.
"Spending the first month as a $92.5 million free agent below the Mendoza Line is tough. Doing so with a barrel rate that has cratered and only three home runs this year after hitting 44 is doubly so." -Passan
Roberts also writes that with a 13-16 record, the Blue Jays are in urgent need of a spark from Santander. Bo Bichette has struggled to provide power, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has just three home runs, leaving Santander as the player Toronto is counting on most to deliver consistent long balls.
"Where is the 44-homer slugger the Blue Jays saw dominating the East as a member of the Baltimore Orioles last season? He had better show up soon if Toronto has any prayer of avoiding a second-straight postseason disappointment." -Roberts
The Blue Jays host the Boston Red Sox tonight at 7:07pm.