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Blue Jays blast own $93 million outfielder Anthony Santander after Islamophobic comments
The Toronto Blue Jays publicly distanced themselves from outfielder Anthony Santander after he posted anti-Muslim comments about Abdul El-Sayed, who won a Michigan Senate race. The team said its values are inclusive and that Santander’s remarks do not represent the organisation, amid questions about whether it will keep him.
Santander, 32, signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract in 2025. He has played 54 games for Toronto, all in 2025, batting .175 with a .271 on-base percentage and .295 slugging percentage; left shoulder surgery ruled him out for the 2026 season. Releasing him could leave at least $57.1 million in dead money, including a $5 million buyout, while the club previously released pitcher Anthony Bass after comments targeting LGBTQ+ rights.
In short
- The Blue Jays condemned Santander’s anti-Muslim posts.
- He is two years into a five-year, $92.5 million deal.
- Releasing him could cost Toronto at least $57.1 million.