Time for Blue Jay Anthony Santander: "This Sport is Challenging"

Tony Taters' Second Chance

Mike Wilner, our beloved Toronto-based baseball columnist and host of the "Deep Left Field" podcast, brings us the story of Anthony Santander, the Blue Jays' power-hitting slugger. Known as "Tony Taters," he inked a hefty five-year, $92.5 million deal to fill the thump left by Teoscar Hernandez's departure after the 2022 season.

So far, the power hasn't been as present as expected. With only four home runs to his name, tied for the club lead with Vlad Guerrero Jr., Santander is ranked 72nd in the majors for home run count.

Despite his early struggles, Santander remains optimistic. He acknowledged the game's challenge and reiterated his unwavering work ethic, reminding us that hard work always pays off. April might not have been his best month, but he's been consistent, and his May averages improve significantly.

Santander's four home runs at the end of April 2025 (the actual year of the article) mirrored his total from the end of April 2024. He's a career .204 hitter in April, but that number rises to .263 in May, with an OPS that's 180 points better than in the season's first month.

First-base coach Mark Budzinski, who managed Santander in the minor leagues, maintains that Santander remains the same constant, strong figure he's always been. No matter the season's ups and downs, Santander delivers with his powerful hits.

Santander recognizes his role on the team and understands that he's here to provide pop, not to hit for average. He's targeted a .240-.250 batting average throughout his career, but with an emphasis on power and RBI production.

Manager John Schneider appreciates Santander's contributions, particularly the three-run homer that secured a come-from-behind win in April 2025. As Santander continues to show improvement after his sluggish start, he's set to return to his Tony Taters form.

Santander's pattern of stronger mid-season performances gives us hope that his recent uptick is a sign of things to come. With his key contributions (like the April 16 three-run homer against Boston and a six-game hit streak), he's providing crucial power to a Blue Jays lineup aiming to regain momentum.

Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data, and events. More details on Santander's early season struggles and his gradual improvement can be found here[1].

[1] Source A: Breakdown of Santander's early season performance and slump, with discussion of his career patterns.

[2] Source B: Detailed account of Santander’s key contributions, hit streak, and recent improvements in the second half of April 2025.

[3] Source C: Examination of the Blue Jays’ season and significance of Santander's recent performance.

[4] Source D: Report on the Blue Jays' comeback win against the Red Sox on April 16, 2025, and Santander's crucial role in the victory.

[5] Source E: Analysis of Santander's low RBI production early in the season.

Mike Wilner, a Toronto-based sports columnist and host of the "Deep Left Field" podcast, focuses on Anthony Santander, the power-hitting slugger for the Blue Jays.
Despite early struggles, Santander maintains a hopeful outlook, emphasizing his consistent work ethic and the belief that hard work always pays off.
In addition to sports, the media covers the performances of prominent figures in other domains, such as the arts.
The "Toronto Star" might publish an opinion piece discussing the importance of Anthony Santander's role in the Blue Jays' lineup, mirroring Mike Wilner's analysis.
The media landscape in Canada includes various news outlets that provide a range of coverage, from sports to politics, arts, and entertainment.
Journalists and podcast hosts, like Mike Wilner, often perform extensive research, sourcing facts from various platforms when writing or broadcasting their pieces.
Given the recent struggles of Anthony Santander, a podcast episode discussing his baseball career and theMLB statistics related to his performance could provide valuable insights for fans and enthusiasts.