Anthony Santander out for at least five months | Shane Bieber will miss the start of the season
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Big news in Toronto.
The Blue Jays have announced that Anthony Santander will miss at least half of next season due to shoulder surgery. He will miss at least five to six months, in fact.
With the season starting in less than two months, that means Santander will return around the All-Star Game in July, in the best-case scenario. Otherwise, it will be after the trade deadline.
This is clearly a game changer.
John Schneider announced that Anthony Santander will undergo surgery tomorrow and will miss 5-6 months pic.twitter.com/V2KJbiEbQR
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 10, 2026
We can all agree that playing time has just opened up in the outfield and that the need for another hitter has become even more important. In the meantime, Nathan Lukes is likely to benefit, as is Davis Schneider.
George Springer, more than ever, will be the hitter of choice more often than not. But still: he will play in the outfield at times during the season.
Along with some knee & oblique soreness, George Springer was dealing with right wrist discomfort as 2025 progressed. That impacted his throwing, but the off-season helped Springer recover according to John Schneider, who says “he's going to be out (in the OF) whenever we need him.”
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) February 10, 2026
Remember that in his first season in Toronto, injuries hurt Santander. He was unable to contribute to the Blue Jays' 2025 season as he was supposed to.
The $92.5 million investment looks really bad right now.
It should also be noted that the depth of the rotation has taken a hit. Bowden Francis will undergo surgery and miss the entire 2026 season. Shane Bieber will not be ready at the start of the season.
The fatigue in his arm has slowed his progress. Is that why he took his player option for 2026?
John Schneider with some major updates:
Bowden Francis to miss 2026 season following UCL surgery
Anthony Santander is out 5-6 months with labrum surgery tomorrow.
Shane Bieber is dealing with right forearm fatigue. Won't be ready to start season.
— Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) February 10, 2026
Logically, this could mean that Jose Berrios could be the #5 starter to begin the year. After all, behind Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Dylan Ponce, they're going to need one more guy. Eric Lauer is also an option.
Things change quickly in the world of sports…
- Three pitchers who could go to the World Baseball Classic.
Blue Jays pitchers Jeff Hoffman (USA), Tyler Rogers (USA), and Jose Berrios (Puerto Rico) are listed on the Designated Pitcher Pools for the WBC and are eligible to be added later in the tournament if needed.
— Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) February 10, 2026
- John Schneider has confidence in Jeff Hoffman.
Asked about Jeff Hoffman, John Schneider said he's “100 percent confident if he's closing most games.”
Jays hope Yimi Garcia is ready for opening day but will be careful with his progression.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) February 10, 2026
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