In a 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on June 3, Kevin Gausman made two pitches he intended against Anthony Santander, but both led to undesired outcomes. The first was an 0-2 fastball that Santander sent over the right-field wall for a two-run homer in the second inning. The second was a 1-2 splitter that he hit for a one-out single, helping spark a three-run fourth inning.
Despite the mistakes that frustrated Gausman, he didn’t consider these two pitches among them. Reflecting on his experience, Gausman said, “He’s kind of had my number, so I’m happy he’s on my team now.” He admired Santander’s approach at the plate, appreciating his willingness to take singles when necessary and noting his ability to hit home runs—44 of them last year.
This blend of patience and power is why the Blue Jays signed the 30-year-old switch-hitter to a $92.5-million, five-year deal this offseason. Santander’s analytical hitting approach, combined with his experience and dual-sided power, provides a much-needed boost to a Blue Jays lineup that has struggled with consistency in recent seasons.
The two at-bats against Gausman demonstrate Santander’s skill. In their first encounter, Gausman worked Santander with fastballs and a splitter, but Santander hit the fastball for a home run. In the second, Gausman tried a mix of high and low pitches, but Santander managed to pull another single off the splitter.
Santander credited his readiness to hit and avoid chasing bad pitches. “I’m ready for the fastball and try to cover those pitches,” he said. This smart hitting has been key to Santander’s success, from his start as a Rule 5 pick to his rise as a reliable power hitter for the Orioles, where he’s hit 105 home runs over the past three seasons.
For the Blue Jays, the addition of Santander strengthens their lineup, offering a much-needed threat behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. This is a dynamic the Blue Jays hope will make pitchers think more strategically, giving Guerrero more opportunities to excel without facing as much pressure.
Manager John Schneider believes that having Santander behind Guerrero will provide real protection, giving pitchers more to consider. Gausman also sees it as a way to “free up Vladdy” and help him perform without the pressure of being the primary offensive force. Santander’s switch-hitting ability will also complicate opposing managers’ bullpen strategies.
The Blue Jays are looking to capitalize on small advantages like this as they aim to improve their overall performance. Santander is excited about his role in supporting Guerrero, helping him to see better pitches and create more scoring opportunities. “It’s going to be exciting,” he said, emphasizing their teamwork in improving both players’ hitting.
In other camp news, Ryan Yarbrough joined the Blue Jays after signing a minor-league deal, providing the team with flexible bullpen options. Yarbrough’s versatility could allow them to use other pitchers like Yariel Rodriguez in high-leverage roles.
The Blue Jays’ final preparations for the season included a situational hitting drill designed by new hitting coaches Dave Popkins and Lou Iannotti. The drill focused on making the most of specific game situations to improve execution, something the team plans to prioritize throughout the season.