The Toronto Blue Jays have shown a renewed commitment to contending. There’s been some ups and downs of late, but their roster-building strategy has been shaped by long-term investments in top talent. The signing of Anthony Santander is the latest example of this trend, marking a significant moment in the club’s pursuit to contend even the future is in question.
As the Blue Jays attempt to make move waves, it’s worth reflecting on the team’s largest contracts to date- each a testament to the club’s ambition and desire to compete. With Santander’s deal now added to the mix, let’s take a look at the five largest contracts in Blue Jays history and explain how these signings have shaped the team’s current and future outlook.
Biggest Blue Jays Contracts
Anthony Santander: 5 years, $92.5 million
After missing out on their top targets, the Blue Jays pivoted by signing outfielder Anthony Santander. The 30-year-old Santander slugged 44 home runs and 102 RBI for the division-rival Baltimore Orioles this past season. Santander represents the immediate offensive boost the Blue Jays lineup desperately needs. He’ll likely hit behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is entering the final year of club control and is positioned for another big season.
Kevin Gausman: 5 years, $110 million
The Blue Jays eyed Kevin Gausman for some time before he signed with the club ahead of the 2022 season. His first campaign saw the right-hander appear in 31 stats with a 3.35 ERA. Gausman also led the American League in both FIP and strikeout-to-walk-ratio. His .363 opponent batting average on balls in play (BABIP) was the second-worst for a pitcher in the Live Ball Era (since 1920).
He finished third in AL Cy Young voting in 2023, leading the AL in strikeouts (237) and posting a 3.16 ERA over 185 innings. Gausman had a solid 2024 season, but it was a step back compared to his remarkable 2023 performance. His ERA increased from 3.16 in 2023 to 3.83 in 2024, and his strikeouts dropped from 237 to 162. However, the fact that he still posted a relatively respectable ERA and pitched 181 innings shows that, despite some struggles and injuries, he’s a reliable contributor to the Blue Jays’ rotation.
Vernon Wells: 7 years, $126 million
Blue Jays signed Vernon Wells as a free agent in 1999. By 2006, Wells had established himself as one of the top outfielders in Major League Baseball. From 2000 to 2005, he hit an impressive 107 home runs for the Blue Jays. However, injuries began to take a toll on Wells’ career. In 2008, he played in only 108 games due to nagging injuries, which continued to plague him in subsequent seasons.
As a result, Wells never fully regained his form. He was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2011 and played his final MLB game with the New York Yankees in 2013.
At the time of his seven-year contract extension in 2006, Wells was just 27 years old and coming off his second All-Star appearance. Despite his promising start, the contract ultimately became one of the worst in baseball. Wells accumulated a 6.7 fWAR over the seven-year deal, a significant drop from his 5.8 fWAR in 2006 alone.
José Berríos: 7 years, $131 million
José Berríos joined the Blue Jays ahead of the July 2021 trade deadline with the Minnesota Twins. Berríos posted a 3.58 ERA over 12 starts with his new team down the stretch. He had been one of the most consistent pitchers in MLB since his full season in 2017, leading Toronto to give him a massive contract extension that offseason.
In 2022, Berríos struggled with consistency, posting a 5.23 ERA and giving up a career-high 32 home runs. Despite the setbacks, he bounced back in 2023, with a much-improved 3.65 ERA and 204 strikeouts over 198 innings pitched, earning his first Gold Glove Award. Berríos finished the 2024 season with a career-high 16 wins.
George Springer: 6 years, $150 million
After seven seasons with the Houston Astros, George Springer left to sign a $150 million deal with the Blue Jays. Springer’s contract not only surpassed Russell Martin’s $82 million deal for the largest signed by a Toronto-bound free agent but also set a record for the largest overall pact in franchise history. Wells never played out the entirety of his extension, which ran through 2014.
Springer hit .264 with 22 home runs and a .907 OPS, despite missing time due to injuries. In 2022, he had a solid year, hitting .267 with 25 home runs, 76 RBI, and earning an All-Star selection. However, his numbers dipped in 2023, with a .258 average and a .732 OPS, and his power decreased slightly. In 2024, Springer’s struggles became more pronounced, with a .220 average, .303 on-base percentage, and .674 OPS.
While injuries and age likely contributed to this decline, Springer’s early years with the Blue Jays were highly productive, and he remains a key player when healthy.
Other Notable Deals:
Russell Martin: 5 years, $82 million
Hyun-Jin Ryu: 4 years, $80 million
Alex Rios: 5 years, $69.8 million
Jose Bautista: 5 years, $65 million
Main Photo: © Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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