A shoulder injury has dealt a significant blow to the Toronto Blue Jays' 2025 season, as outfielder Anthony Santander is expected to be sidelined for a substantial portion of the campaign. This news, announced by manager John Schneider during spring training, is a major setback for a team that was hoping to build on its impressive run to the World Series last year.
Santander, who signed a lucrative five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Blue Jays last offseason, had a disappointing debut season in Toronto. He struggled at the plate and managed to play in only 54 games due to various injuries. The team had high hopes for Santander, who had a stellar 2024 season with Baltimore, racking up 44 home runs and 102 RBIs.
"We tried everything to avoid this," Schneider said, referring to Santander's recent setback during his hitting ramp-up in January.
But the bad news didn't stop there for the Blue Jays. Right-hander Shane Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, is also facing health issues. Bieber, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, is dealing with forearm fatigue and won't be ready for opening day.
"We're being extra cautious with Shane," Schneider explained. "Given his recent surgery and the demands of the postseason, we want to ensure he's fully recovered and able to contribute significantly this season."
Bieber's absence is a significant loss for the Blue Jays, as he played a crucial role in their postseason run, pitching 18 2/3 innings with a 3.86 ERA and helping the team reach the brink of a World Series title.
Additionally, right-hander Bowden Francis will miss the entire season after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery.
These injuries have cast a shadow over the Blue Jays' prospects for the upcoming season. However, the team remains optimistic, believing that with a cautious approach and a strong medical team, they can navigate these challenges and still put up a competitive fight.
What do you think? Can the Blue Jays overcome these setbacks and make a strong showing this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
