Report: Anthony Santander Was Offered Big Contract By Another Team Prior To Blue Jays

The Kansas City Royals made an aggressive push to sign free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander before he ultimately chose the Toronto Blue Jays.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Royals initially offered Santander a three-year, $66 million contract with an opt-out after the second season, hoping the higher annual salary would sway him.

As negotiations continued, Kansas City increased its offer and adjusted contract details, including deferred payments, but by the time they finalized everything, Santander had already committed to a five-year, $92.5 million deal with Toronto.

"They have a pretty good team, they want to win and they want to get back to the playoffs," Santander told MLB.com. "It’s important to me to make that move."

Ths Kansas City Royals offered Anthony Santander a 3 year $66 million dollar deal with an opt out after year 2 according to Ken Rosenthal.
— ⁶ (@Atkins2Alcatraz) February 1, 2025

The Royals viewed Santander as a big addition to their lineup, envisioning him alongside Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino in the heart of the order.

After coming off an ALDS appearance, they wanted to add more power and believed Santander’s production—44 home runs and 102 RBIs in 2024—would give them an edge.

Kansas City also considered Jurickson Profar before he signed with the Atlanta Braves but wasn’t willing to guarantee him a third year. Missing out on Santander forced the Royals to shift their focus elsewhere, leading them to sign reliever Carlos Estévez to a two-year, $22.2 million contract.

If the #Royals made Santander a 3yr, $66M offer — I’m more confident than ever they’ll add a bat before the start of spring training.

Mercy, I never thought they’d seriously entertain him. https://t.co/9KIY4whl8W
— Jack Johnson (@JohnyJ_15) February 1, 2025