Ross Atkins revealed real plans for Anthony Santander that could complicate Addison Barger's path back.

Speaking at his end-of-season press conference, Atkins addressed Toronto's disappointing finish, dropping to last in the AL East less than a year after reaching the World Series.

Injuries drove much of the collapse. Barger and Santander, two players expected to anchor the outfield, played just nine games combined all season.

Toronto had already grown used to playing without Santander, who missed all of 2026 and most of 2025. Barger's absence stung far more given what he'd shown the year before.

In 2025, Barger broke out, hitting .243 with a .756 OPS, 21 home runs, and 74 RBIs, a genuine breakout season that made his 2026 absence feel like a real loss.

Atkins confirmed Toronto wants Santander preparing to play outfield full-time next season, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, adding real weight to an already crowded picture.

Why Barger's path back isn't straightforward

That decision carries extra significance given George Springer, Toronto's primary DH, is heading into unrestricted free agency with his own uncertain future.

With Santander reclaiming right field, his usual spot before injuries took over, Toronto faces a real roster puzzle involving Barger.

Barger's natural position was right field in 2025. With Santander occupying that spot, a return to third base would make sense, except Kazuma Okamoto is already entrenched there.

The more logical solution would shift Santander to left field, keeping Barger in right. But that's far from guaranteed, since Santander has historically performed better defensively in right.

Toronto could simply rotate Okamoto, Barger, and Santander as needed, leaving the final call to manager John Schneider regardless of whatever additions come this offseason.

There's also a physical angle worth considering. Barger has a genuine cannon for an arm, but after undergoing right arm surgery, spending some games at third base rather than exclusively in the outfield could actually aid his recovery through 2027.

Whether Toronto ultimately settles on a clean positional split or leans into a full rotation depends heavily on health, performance, and whatever outfield additions the front office makes this winter.