Blue Jays sign Anthony Santander to $92.5 million deal with $61.75 million deferred payments

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant move by signing outfielder Anthony Santander to a five-year, $92.5 million contract that features substantial deferred payments, totaling up to $61.75 million. This strategy reduces the present-day value of the deal to approximately $68.6 million, allowing the team to maintain flexibility under the luxury tax threshold. Santander will receive a signing bonus and varying salaries over the contract term, with the option to opt out after three years, which the Blue Jays can counter by guaranteeing additional funds to extend the contract's value. With this financial maneuvering, the Blue Jays hope to pursue other high-profile free agents, while Santander, who had a career year last season, adds power to their lineup. The deal aligns with a broader trend in Major League Baseball, as teams increasingly utilize deferred money to manage payroll effectively. By following this model, the Blue Jays aim to position themselves competitively in the offseason.