Anthony Santander, who hit 44 home runs for the Orioles last season, has agreed to a five-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a report by MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. The 30-year-old outfielder can opt out after four years, but the Blue Jays can void the opt-out by adding an option for 2030, according to Ari Alexander of KPRC 2.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports the deal is for more than $90 million.
As with ace pitcher Corbin Burnes, who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Orioles will receive a compensatory draft pick from the Blue Jays. The Orioles made a $21.05 million qualifying offer to Burnes and Santander.
Last month, the Orioles signed outfielder Tyler O’Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million contract with an opt-out after 2025.
Santander’s 44 home runs were the seventh most in a season by an Oriole. He joined the team as a Rule 5 draft choice from Cleveland in 2016. In eight seasons with the Orioles, Santander hit .246 with a .776 OPS and 155 home runs, 13th most in franchise history.
The Orioles open the season in Toronto on March 27th.
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