A former MLB executive has raised concerns about the Toronto Blue Jays’ recent decision to sign outfielder Anthony Santander to a $90 million deal, arguing that the team may come to regret the move despite its initial appearance as a bargain. Santander, who has been a reliable power hitter for the Baltimore Orioles, has garnered significant attention for his consistent production in recent seasons. However, according to the former executive, there are multiple factors that could cause the Blue Jays to regret the signing as the years go by.

At first glance, the contract seems like a solid deal for a player with Santander’s skillset. Over the past few years, the 29-year-old outfielder has emerged as one of the more productive hitters in the American League. In 2023, he posted a career-high 33 home runs, 89 RBIs, and an .845 OPS, helping the Orioles secure a spot in the postseason. His ability to hit for both power and average, combined with his steady production at the plate, made him one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. The Blue Jays, looking to bolster their already potent lineup, moved quickly to sign him, locking up the right-handed slugger for the long term.

However, the former MLB executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed concerns about Santander’s long-term fit with the Blue Jays, suggesting that the team may have overvalued his current production. “The numbers are there now, but there are a lot of red flags that the Blue Jays might be overlooking,” the executive said. “Santander is entering his 30s, and history tells us that players in his age range—especially those with a lot of mileage on their bodies—are more prone to decline.”

One of the primary concerns raised was Santander’s age. While 29 is still considered a prime age for a hitter, the former executive noted that Santander will be entering his 30s in the latter half of his new contract. Power hitters, in particular, tend to experience a more noticeable decline as they age, especially when it comes to bat speed and reaction time. Although Santander has remained healthy and productive throughout his career so far, the executive pointed out that the Blue Jays could face diminishing returns as his body begins to show signs of wear and tear.

Another point of concern was Santander’s defense. While he has been serviceable in the outfield, especially in right field, he is not considered an elite defender. His metrics in terms of defensive runs saved (DRS) and outs above average (OAA) have been consistently below average over the past few seasons. In a league that increasingly values defensive versatility and outfield defense, Santander’s defensive limitations could become a significant liability as his bat starts to regress.

“Sure, he’s been a solid hitter, but if his bat slows down or he starts to lose power as he gets older, what else does he bring to the table?” the executive said. “His defense isn’t something that’s going to save him if his bat falters.”

Moreover, the Blue Jays already have a crowded outfield, with young stars like George Springer, Kevin Kiermaier, and Daulton Varsho in the mix. Signing another high-priced outfielder might seem redundant, especially given the team’s focus on building a more balanced roster. The executive questioned whether the Blue Jays truly needed to add another bat to their already loaded lineup, particularly when there were other areas—like the pitching staff or bullpen—that could have used reinforcement.

Despite these concerns, it’s important to acknowledge that the Blue Jays are banking on Santander’s ability to continue to be a productive hitter in the prime of his career. The deal also comes at a time when teams are willing to spend big on offense in a market that has seen other sluggers command even larger contracts. From a financial perspective, the $90 million price tag may still be a bargain, especially if Santander can continue to hit 30+ home runs per season and provide solid offensive numbers.

Ultimately, the success of the deal will depend on how well Santander performs in the latter stages of the contract. If he can maintain his power and continue to contribute offensively, the deal could look like a win for the Blue Jays. However, if his bat begins to slow down and his defense remains a liability, the Blue Jays may find themselves regretting the decision to lock up the outfielder for such a significant amount of money.

The signing of Anthony Santander is a high-risk, high-reward move for the Blue Jays. While the immediate upside is clear, the long-term outlook may not be as rosy, and time will tell if the Blue Jays made the right call in investing heavily in a player who may soon be entering the downside of his career.