Toronto Blue Jays’ John Schneider Sets Timeline For $92 Million Slugger Return

After the Blue Jays signed switch-hitting power threat Anthony Santander to a five-year, $92 million contract before last season began, they expected to have a middle-of-the-order star as a new lineup staple.

Instead, Santander missed much of last season with injury and has remained sidelined for all of this campaign so far. But manager John Schneider has now placed a timeline on his return.

“Anthony Santander Update: The Blue Jays OF should resume swinging in the next week or so, targeting an August return,” The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon reported this week. “Schneider: ‘Once he starts, I think you treat it as a normal spring training almost. I think there's a shot he could definitely be a factor.’”

That update offered the strongest indication yet that the Blue Jays could get the veteran slugger back before the stretch run.

“The Toronto Blue Jays are beginning to get some clarity concerning the status of one of their big bats,” Sportsnet reported after the update. “Outfielder Anthony Santander, who has been sidelined since before spring training, could resume hitting within the week and a return in August isn't out of the question, manager John Schneider told reporters.”

While that August return timeline remains dependent on avoiding setbacks, the fact that Santander is nearing baseball activities represents meaningful progress after months of uncertainty and Schneider appeared pretty confident in the potential for a return this season.

Toronto Blue Jays Still Hope Anthony Santander Investment Pays Off

The Blue Jays signed Santander believing he could provide the type of power presence that had made him one of the American League's most productive hitters with the Baltimore Orioles. Instead, injuries have delayed that vision.

“Signed by the Blue Jays ahead of the 2025 season, Santander missed most of that first campaign with an injury to the same shoulder, but managed to return in late September and suited up for a handful of post-season games during the team's run to the World Series,” Sportsnet added.

That history helps explain why Toronto is likely to be cautious with the recovery process.

Still, the possibility of adding a proven middle-of-the-order bat in August could function like a trade deadline acquisition without surrendering any prospect capital. If Santander can return healthy and productive, he may provide a significant boost to a lineup that has searched for additional power throughout the season.