Blue Jays connected to move that would cut ties with Anthony Santander to help pay Kyle Tucker

The Toronto Blue Jays could be setting themselves up for a difficult roster decision in the outfield, especially if they decide to make a serious push for Kyle Tucker.

On paper, the fit makes sense. Tucker would immediately upgrade the lineup and give Toronto another middle-of-the-order bat. However, it complicates things for others. 

The Blue Jays already have several players who seem to be penciled in, but could that change?

George Springer is taking up the majority of the at-bats at designated hitter, and Daulton Varsho isn’t moving out of the lineup. That leaves the corner outfield spots, where things could get crowded quickly. If Tucker is added, he’s playing every day – we already know that – which could hurt someone.

Anthony Santander is probably the player who would be left behind. He’s been great in his career, but roster construction matters, and he struggled, while dealing with injuries, last season. 

That’s a point Brandon Glick of FanSided noted when discussing how Tucker would impact Toronto’s roster.

“This conversation will really become timely if the Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker, who would immediately displace [Anthony] Santander in right field,” Glick wrote. “With George Springer taking up all of the at-bats at DH and Daulton Varsho locked into the starting spot in center field, Tucker’s presence would effectively mean that there’s one open spot for all of the aforementioned players.”

If the Blue Jays are willing to live with moving Santander, it would signal just how aggressive they’re trying to be.

Santander still has four years remaining on his deal. He’s only making $11.8 million in 2026 and $11.4 million in 2027. He then has a player option in 2028 worth $9.4 million.

I’d assume a team would want him, but who knows?

More Blue Jays news:

• Insider reveals Blue Jays plan for Bo Bichette if he re-signs in Toronto
• Blue Jays’ Chris Bassitt could still land back in Toronto, according to MLB insider
• Blue Jays, Red Sox among teams that have called Diamondbacks for Ketel Marte
• Red Sox reportedly in the mix for Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette, which might be telling about Alex Bregman’s future
• Blue Jays are favorites for Kyle Tucker, but Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers reportedly in the mix
• Blue Jays linked to Alex Bregman to replace Bo Bichette, despite Red Sox being favorites to sign star