MLB Rumors: Angels 'Made a Run' at Anthony Santander to Pair with Mike Trout

The Los Angeles Angels tried to make another free-agent splash in their quest to return to relevancy in the American League.

Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Angels "made a run" for Anthony Santander by offering him different three- and four-year concepts before he wound up signing with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays were able to land Santander on a five-year, $92.5 million deal with an opt out after the 2027 season. His contract also includes $61.8 million in deferred money, bringing the present-day value down to $68.6 million.

It doesn't seem like it would have been hard for the Angels to beat that structure, but there's also the possibility that Santander felt like he would have a better chance to compete for a playoff spot with the Blue Jays.

The Angels have prioritized short-term thinking over long-term perspective for years. They've done it again this offseason by signing free agents like 33-year-old Yusei Kikuchi, 35-year-old Kyle Hendricks and 36-year-old Travis d'Arnaud.

On the one hand, it's admirable Angels ownership is still trying to spend money to build around Mike Trout. On the other hand, though, they're starting from such a low point coming off a 63-99 record in 2024 that it's hard to envision them making up enough ground to challenge for the postseason in 2025.

Santander is a flawed player, but he likely would have been the second-best outfielder behind Trout—assuming he can stay healthy—on the Angels next season if a deal would have been worked out.

The Angels are entering the year with Trout, Taylor Ward and Jo Adell as their starting outfielders. Santander made his first All-Star team with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, hitting a career-high 44 homers in 665 plate appearances.

Los Angeles has made the playoffs just once since the 2010 season. The team hasn't won a playoff game since Game 5 of the 2009 ALCS against the New York Yankees.