Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander is set to miss a significant portion of the 2026 Major League Baseball season due to upcoming surgery, the team disclosed on Tuesday. Manager John Schneider informed the media that Santander would be undergoing left labral surgery the following day, estimating a recovery period of five to six months.
Schneider expressed optimism about Santander’s return to the team later in the season, emphasizing the importance of his presence in the latter half of the campaign. The 31-year-old switch-hitter had previously signed a lucrative five-year, $92.5-million US contract with the Blue Jays before the 2025 season.
Injuries plagued Santander’s 2025 season, limiting his appearances to 54 regular-season games and five post-season games for Toronto. With Santander sidelined, the Blue Jays will look to their depth in the outfield, providing opportunities for other capable players to step up.
Pitcher Bowden Francis is also facing a setback, as he is scheduled for UCL reconstruction surgery, ruling him out for the entire 2026 season. The 29-year-old Francis, who started multiple games for the Blue Jays in recent seasons, will be sorely missed on the pitching staff.
Additionally, starting pitcher Shane Bieber will experience a delayed start to his season preparations due to right forearm fatigue. Bieber, a former Cy Young winner, underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 and is expected to be a key contributor once he returns to full fitness.
Toronto’s pitching rotation will see Bieber alongside Kevin Gausman and newly acquired Dylan Cease. The team will also consider playoff standout Trey Yesavage, veteran José Berrios, Eric Lauer, and Cody Ponce for pitching roles during the upcoming season.
As the Blue Jays mark their 50th season in Major League Baseball, they are faced with high expectations following a strong showing in the previous season. While the team has welcomed new additions like Cease and Ponce, they have bid farewell to players such as Bo Bichette, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Seranthony Domínguez.