Blue Jays’ John Schneider Makes Anthony Santander Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jun 18, 2026 12:52 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays made a major investment in Anthony Santander in 2025, signing the switch-hitting outfielder/ designated hitter to a five-year, $92.5 million contract.

Fresh off winning a Silver Slugger award in 2024, the Blue Jays hoped Santander could become a valuable addition to a club that already boasted top offensive talent across its roster. Instead, his time in Toronto has been defined by frustrating injury setbacks.

The 2024 All-Star most recently underwent left shoulder labral surgery in mid-February 2026, shortly after spring training began. The procedure was expected to sideline him for five to six months. Santander was placed on the injured list early in the season and later transferred to the 60-day IL.

Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Anthony Santander (25) © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The injury has kept him out of 2026 so far, and has coincided with a wave of setbacks that has plagued the Blue Jays all season long.

On Thursday, manager John Schneider provided a long-awaited positive update on Santander’s recovery.

Schneider said Santander is scheduled to start hitting “either this weekend or next.” He added that there is a realistic shot Santander could be a factor later this season, though the road back remains long. The plan involves a full, slow build-up similar to a spring training ramp-up, with careful monitoring to avoid any setbacks (h/t Keegan Matheson of MLB.com).

Anthony Santander is scheduled to start hitting "either this weekend or next", John Schneider said. So, sometime soon.

"There's a shot he could definitely be a factor."

Long road from here, which will essentially be a full, slow, Spring Training build-up. We'll see. #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) June 18, 2026

This marks the first significant step in Santander’s return to baseball activities. He has been progressing well in recent weeks, and the ability to begin hitting again is an encouraging sign for both the player and the club.

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Santander’s return, even if it comes in late July or August, would give Toronto a much-needed power bat and experienced presence in the lineup. Through nine MLB seasons, he is batting .241 batting average, 729 hits, 161 homers, 453 RBIs and 399 runs scored, with a .762 career OPS.

The Blue Jays (36-38) currently sit third in the American League East, and will need every help they can get as they hope to make another run to the World Series this fall.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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