MLB Rumors: Anthony Santander Offered $66M Contract By Royals Before Blue Jays Deal

The Kansas City Royals reportedly made a hefty contract offer to outfielder Anthony Santander before he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency.

The Royals offered Santander a three-year deal worth $66 million, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The proposal contained deferrals as well as an opt-out after the second year.

Santander ended up signing a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Blue Jays on Jan. 20.

The 30-year-old's deal with Toronto includes $61.75 million in deferred money, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Rosenthal noted that by the time the Royals made their $66 million contract proposal to Santander, he had already chosen to join the Blue Jays.

Prior to signing with Toronto, Santander established himself as a consistent power hitter while spending the first eight years of his career with the Baltimore Orioles. He's also coming off a 2024 campaign in which he earned his first All-Star nod.

In 155 games last season, Santander racked up 44 home runs and 25 doubles to go along with a .235/.308/.506 slash line. He also recorded 102 RBIs, which ranked No. 9 among all American League players.

Santander could have been a key addition to a Kansas City lineup that lacked power outside of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. in 2024. Despite making a postseason appearance for the first time since 2015, no Royal reached 20 home runs other than Witt and catcher Salvador Perez.

Kansas City remained active in free agency after missing out on Santander, signing relief pitcher Carlos Estévez to a two-year deal worth $22.2 million (via Rosenthal).

The Royals looked to add Santander in free agency as they attempt to build upon their 2024 ALDS appearance, but he ultimately chose the Blue Jays.