Monday Roundup: Jays sign Santander, four others; designate Eisert, in biggest day of offseason

The action started with the team announcing that it had signed free agent left fielder/DH Anthony Santander to a five year contract. The Blue Jays had been connected to Santander for months and he immediately becomes their marquee signing. But that was only the beginning.

Later, their international period began as they signed Dominican short stop Christopher Polanco, the #22 overall International Free Agent. Polanco and the Blue Jays had previously had an agreement in place and with the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes finally over, the Jays were able to up their dollar amount.

Polanco's signing bonus is said to be $2.3MM.

He was one of four international signings along with Cuban pitcher Alexander Valiente, and fellow Dominicans Juan Sanchez - another shortstop - and Marcelo Marcelino, also a right handed pitcher.

Sanchez' signing bonus is $1M, while Valiente gets $75K plus a $50K scholarship. Marcelino received a $10 000 bonus.

While the four Latin Americans wil start off in the low-minors, Santander was, obviously, placed on the 40 man roster straight away. This necessitated a corresponding move and the victim was another pitcher. This time it was Brandon Eisert, who was designated for assignment.

The left-hander appeared in just three games for the Blue Jays in 2024, compiling a 4.05 ERA with two strikeouts and four walks in 6.2 innings. The Blue Jays now have seven days to trade, release, or outright him.

More on the Santander deal and the Marcelino and Sanchez signings tomorrow.