Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander addressed recent criticism head-on following his left shoulder labral surgery, which is expected to sideline him for five to six months in 2026. The procedure comes after a frustrating debut season with the club in 2025, where the same injury severely limited his contributions despite high expectations tied to his five-year, $92.5 million free-agent contract signed prior to last year.
“I know I’m trying my best,” Santander said through an interpreter during his first comments to the media since the surgery, speaking at the team’s player development complex in Dunedin, Florida. “Injuries are something you cannot control. Me, as a ballplayer coming into a new team and signing my contract, I want to be there with the guys every day. Unfortunately, things happen that are not under your control. I know some people think differently, but I know who I am. I know I’m trying my best to be on the field with my teammates.”
The remarks reflect a player grappling with back-to-back lost or severely compromised seasons at the outset of what was intended to be a cornerstone signing for Toronto. Santander, a switch-hitting power bat who had established himself as one of the American League’s most consistent home run producers with the Baltimore Orioles, joined the Blue Jays in January 2025 after a standout 2024 campaign that saw him hit 44 homers, earn All-Star honors, and win a Silver Slugger award.
The deal, worth $92.5 million over five years with potential escalators and an opt-out clause, represented a significant investment in offensive firepower for a team looking to rebound in the competitive AL East.
However, the optimism surrounding his arrival quickly faded. Early in the 2025 season, Santander crashed into the outfield wall at Angel Stadium on May 8 while pursuing a fly ball against the Los Angeles Angels, suffering what initially appeared to be a nagging left shoulder issue. Mid-season MRIs at the time showed no major structural damage, leading the team and player to opt for conservative management: rest, rehabilitation, and a gradual return rather than immediate surgical intervention. He missed the bulk of the regular season, appearing in just 54 games with diminished production as he battled through pain and inflammation.
Santander made a late push to return, rejoining the lineup in time for parts of the postseason. He contributed during Toronto’s playoff run but was ultimately removed from the roster midway through the ALCS due to recurring back tightness compounded by the lingering shoulder problems. The postseason stint offered a glimmer of hope that full offseason rest would resolve the issues, allowing him to enter 2026 healthy and ready to anchor the lineup amid roster changes, including the departure of shortstop Bo Bichette and unsuccessful pursuits of other high-profile free agents.
That hope unraveled in January. As Santander ramped up hitting in preparation for spring training, familiar pain returned—similar to what he experienced after the initial wall collision. Further evaluations revealed a torn labrum in the left shoulder that had gone undetected on prior imaging. Doctors determined surgery was necessary, leading to the labral repair performed last week. Initial recovery timelines project a five-to-six-month absence, meaning Santander could miss most or all of the 2026 regular season, with a potential return later in the year depending on progress.
He will wear an immobilizing sling for the next month, severely limiting shoulder movement as he begins the long rehabilitation process.
“It’s not easy to deal with something like this,” Santander acknowledged, his arm in the sling during the interview. He emphasized positivity despite the setback, noting the remaining four years on his contract and his commitment to hard work. “I still have this year and three more years on my contract, so I’m very positive, and I know I’m going to keep working hard and prepare myself to be ready with my teammates.”
The injury has sparked debate among fans and analysts about the contract’s value and the Blue Jays’ decision-making. Santander’s 2025 output was far below expectations, and another extended absence raises questions about his long-term fit in Toronto. The team has already begun adjusting, signing depth pieces and relying on versatile outfield options to cover the gap. General Manager Ross Atkins has stressed the organization’s depth and adaptability, insisting that other players will step up as they did in 2025.
Shoulder injuries, particularly labral tears, are notoriously complex in baseball due to the joint’s demands in throwing and swinging. Recovery often involves phased rehabilitation focusing on range of motion, strength building, and eventually sport-specific activities. While some players return effectively from such procedures, the timeline and outcome vary widely, and setbacks are common. For Santander, the dual challenges of physical healing and regaining trust—both his own and the organization’s—lie ahead.
Despite the frustration, Santander’s comments project resilience. He remains determined to prove doubters wrong and contribute meaningfully in the seasons to come. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, must navigate another campaign without one of their prized offseason additions, turning attention to internal development and potential mid-season reinforcements. As spring training unfolds, the focus shifts to how the team adapts to yet another chapter in what has become an unexpectedly turbulent tenure for the veteran slugger in Toronto.
