MLB writer says Anthony Santander was a consolation prize, deal will backfire on Blue Jays
Keith Law is not a fan of the Blue Jays' deal with Anthony Santander.
The baseball writer and former employee for the Blue Jays (during J.P. Ricciardi's tenure) has called the deal a consolation prize and an overpriced contract that will age poorly.
Among other concerns, he points to Santander's positional issues, which could eventually relegate the slugger to a full-time DH role, further restricting the Blue Jays' roster.
He is also critical of the deal's terms: five years at $92.5 million, with an option for a sixth year, for a total value of $110 million.
Law seems to be in the minority. Many other writers, including Jon Morosi and Blue Jays insider Keegan Matheson, expected Santander to land a contract within this range. Some even thought he might get $100 million.
While Santander is on the wrong side of 30, there is an opt-out clause after the third year. If he exercises it and the Jays don't trigger the sixth-year option, the team will only pay $57 million.
As for positional concerns, there's nothing wrong with having a full-time DH. Many older players, particularly sluggers, transition into this role in the second half of their careers, and Santander would be no different. This would also allow the Blue Jays to give playing time to younger outfielders like Alan Roden, Joey Loperfido, and even Addison Barger.
While Law likes Santander as a player, he believes the contract isn't a good fit for the Blue Jays. In about three years, we'll see if he's right.
Source: Sports Illustrated.
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