Earlier this week, there was a bit of news, but now things have quieted down considerably.
The most significant update, unfortunately, is not a positive one. Anthony Santander reposted anti-Muslim videos on Instagram, which has caused a predictable and understandable backlash. The team quickly responded, stating that these views do not reflect their stance, but it seems unlikely this issue will fade quickly. In a similar past case, Anthony Bass was designated for assignment (DFA) after sharing homophobic content on social media three years ago. However, treating Santander the same way is more complicated. For one, he’s currently injured, and as Keith Law of The Athletic points out, releasing him could trigger a union grievance. Additionally, Santander is not a fringe player but a (nominal) star under contract for $49 million over the next four years, assuming the club option for 2030 is bought out. This puts the team in a tough spot. Many fans already unhappy with his on-field performance may now push even harder against his return. Personally, I think it would be best not to see him in a Jays uniform again.
In less dramatic news, the Blue Jays have secured a fourth option year on Jake Bloss’ contract. While teams usually get three options for minor league draftees, a fourth can be granted if those options are used up before the player completes five full seasons. Bloss, drafted in 2023 and called up by the Astros in 2024 before being traded to Toronto, exhausted his second and third options in 2025 and 2026. This extra option allows the Jays to send him back to Buffalo if needed in 2027. Ideally, Bloss will be fully healthy for spring training and make the opening day roster, but this option reduces the pressure to do so and avoids a potential DFA.
Speaking of Bloss, he was one of three Jays selected to the Arizona Fall League’s Fall Stars roster. Although his overall stats were uncertain—giving up 10 runs over 10.2 innings—his strikeout-to-walk ratio of 11:2 is more encouraging. His velocity ranged from 93-96 mph, which is a step back from the higher speeds he showed during Tommy John rehab, but consistent with his 2024 performance. With a healthy offseason, he could refine his command and compete for a rotation spot in spring training. Alongside him were catcher/outfielder Aaron Parker and speedy outfielder Jake Cook. Parker showed impressive power at AA but struggled with strikeouts; however, in the Fall League, he cut his strikeouts to 25% and increased his walk rate. He also spent considerable time in the outfield for the first time, as his defense behind the plate is not strong. This could be an effort to see if he can develop enough in the outfield to focus on honing his offense. Cook, drafted in 2025, is a highly athletic player with elite speed who only transitioned to hitting in his junior year of college after pitching initially. Though still raw as a hitter, he has tremendous physical tools. Congrats to all three prospects on their achievements.
On the topic of speedy outfielders, Rudy Martin Jr. has signed a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Martin, 30, made his MLB debut with the Jays this past season. Originally drafted by the Royals in 2014, he spent years in their lower minors and independent leagues before rejoining the Royals system in 2025 and eventually moving to Toronto. In Buffalo, he posted a robust .274/.394/.421 slash line—about 14% above league average—and stole 45 out of 53 bases while playing center field. With Myles Straw gone, Martin moves up the depth chart and could see MLB time in 2027 as a speedy, defensive outfielder.
Lastly, as the free-agent market remains slow, a couple of profiles have emerged about players the Jays could target this winter. Keegan Matheson from MLB.com argues Seiya Suzuki is an ideal fit for Toronto. While his defense might be somewhat overstated—having posted just his first above-average year in the field in 2026 and spending much time as a DH for the Cubs—a versatile power bat would greatly enhance the roster. Whether a $100 million, five-year deal makes sense for a player who will be 32 for most of next season is debatable, but in the short term, Suzuki could fill a critical need. Meanwhile, David Adler profiles Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato—recently posted for MLB teams. He must sign before the lockout starts, making him potentially the only major free agent to sign in November. Known for his prodigious power, Sato’s aggressive hitting has resulted in strikeout rates in the mid-to-high 20% range in Japan, which could pose challenges in the majors. Kazuma Okamoto, by comparison, struck out about 10% less often in Japan yet still struggled with contact issues in Toronto, though he managed a solid overall line. Sato is also not a strong defender at third base or the outfield. Still, 27-year-olds with elite power rarely hit free agency, and the Jays could benefit greatly from adding youth and pop to their lineup. Their international scouts will likely conduct a thorough evaluation to determine how well his approach could translate to North American baseball.
Fan Take:
This mix of off-field controversy and off-season maneuvering highlights the complex challenges teams face balancing talent, character, and roster management. For baseball fans, these stories reflect not just the game on the field, but the evolving culture and business of the sport, showing how decisions today could shape team identity and competitiveness for years to come.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
