Latest News on Anthony Santander's Timeline to Return to Blue Jays After Surgery on Shoulder Injury

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed that right fielder Anthony Santander will undergo left labral surgery on Wednesday, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.

Santander is set to miss roughly five to six months following the procedure, via Kirschner.

He's heading into his second season with the Blue Jays after signing a five-year, $92.5 million contract to join the team in Jan. 2025.

During the 2025 regular season, Santander only appeared in 54 games due to left shoulder inflammation. He also missed time in Toronto's ensuing World Series run with a back issue.

According to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling, Santander was resting and navigating through rehab in Dec. 2025 before experiencing a setback once he started hitting again the following month.

The 31-year-old wasn't able to meet expectations in 2025 while missing significant time, recording five doubles and six home runs to go along with 18 RBI. He also posted a .175/.271/.294 slash line.

Santander's lack of production was especially disappointing considering he wrapped up a strong 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles, amassing 44 homers and 102 RBI to go along with an OPS of .814. He also earned the first All-Star nod of his career.

As Toronto prepares for the 2026 regular season to begin, a free-agent addition to replace Santander doesn't seem likely.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said the team is "not significantly" involved in the outfield market following Santander's injury, per Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Until he's able to suit up, Nathan Lukas and Davis Schneider are candidates to see increased playing time for Toronto.