Report: Blue Jays 'badly covet' ex-Oriole Santander

The Toronto Blue Jays might turn to the free-agent market to add some power this offseason.

Toronto is interested in former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander, whom they "badly covet," according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Santander entered the winter as one of the best sources of power available in free agency after finishing second in the American League with 44 home runs last season.

The Blue Jays ranked 26th in round-trippers in 2024 with 156.

At the GM meetings in early November, general manager Ross Atkins mentioned improving the club in all facets, including its offense.

"We want to improve our pitching, improve our offense, and build upon a team that we feel is a good one. It's in a good starting position," Atkins said.

Santander, 30, fits the description of someone who would help improve the Blue Jays' offense. The Venezuelan has been a force at the dish since his breakout campaign in 2019, hitting 154 homers with a .229 isolated power and 116 wRC+ while playing the bulk of his games in the AL East.

Toronto is also a serious suitor for free-agent superstar Juan Soto and has been connected to players such as Willy Adames, Max Fried, and Ha-Seong Kim as it looks to improve on a last-place finish in 2024.