Anthony Santander lets slip that the Toronto Blue Jays were not his first choice
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Recently, it was revealed by Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander that the Blue Jays rival Detroit Tigers had strong interest in him this past summer.
During an interview with the Free Press, Santander told them that they were highly interested in his services but could not come up with a deal as there was someone ahead of him.
Santander landed great deal with Blue Jays
"They looked at me," Santander told the Free Press on Monday afternoon, "but they were looking at the third baseman as the priority because that was the spot, they needed the most. I was next. They were showing interest, like calling and making sure I was still available, but I was second in line." Anthony Santander
Didn't take long for Anthony Santander to become close with Bo and Davis
It became apparent that Alex Bregman was the primary focus of the tigers as well who ended up losing him as he signed with the Boston Red Sox on a three-year deal worth $120 million.
Bregman was offered a six-year deal 170.5 million from the Tigers which he turned down.
"The only thing I know is they were really interested in me, but after the third baseman," Santander said.
"The city is great. The environment of the field at Rogers Centre is amazing."
Blue Jays have high expectations for Santander and his bat
Santander hit .235 with 44 home runs, 58 walks and 129 strikeouts across 155 games for the Baltimore Orioles in the 2024 season, making 129 starts in right field. He averaged 35 homers and 153 games per season from 2022-24, with an 8.5% walk rate, a 20.5% strikeout rate and a .795 OPS. Evan Petzold
"Looks great on me already."
During the latest grapefruit league game against the Tigers, Santander had a strong game where he finished two for three with three RBI's in a 13-3 win.
As the Blue Jays continued to evaluate their talent, manager John Schneider will hope that Santander's hot bat will continue as the team prepares for Opening Day and hopes for a fast start.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Did Blue Jays' Anthony Santander want to sign with Detroit Tigers? 'I was second in line'
Did Blue Jays' Anthony Santander want to sign with Detroit Tigers? 'I was second in line'
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