Blue Jays' Santander Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

Outfielder hopes to return later this season, but full recovery is the priority

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:55am

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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander has undergone shoulder surgery after battling persistent pain and discomfort. Santander, who had an All-Star season in 2024, struggled with injuries throughout the 2025 campaign and missed the team's World Series appearance. The Venezuelan player is now focused on a full recovery, aiming to return to the field later this season if possible, but is prepared to wait until next year if needed.

Why it matters

Santander's shoulder surgery is a significant setback for the Blue Jays, who were counting on his offensive production to help the team make another deep playoff run. His recovery timeline will be crucial as the team looks to maintain momentum and prepare for future seasons.

The details

Suffering from persistent shoulder pain, Santander underwent an MRI that revealed the severity of the injury, leading to the decision to have surgery. He noted that the discomfort initially seemed to subside, but returned once he resumed hitting. Santander is now aiming for a return later this season but is prioritizing a full recovery to avoid rushing back prematurely.

  • Santander underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason.
  • He is aiming to return to the field later this season.

The players

Anthony Santander

A Venezuelan outfielder who joined the Toronto Blue Jays this season and was expected to provide significant offensive power, but struggled with injuries and had a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Toronto Blue Jays

A Major League Baseball team that reached the World Series in 2025 but was limited by Santander's injury and performance issues.

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What they’re saying

“We'll see where we're at when we get there. If it doesn't work, obviously the other option is to wait until next year, but I hope it doesn't go that way.”

— Anthony Santander, Outfielder

“Unfortunately, things happen that are not in your control. I know some people think differently, but I know who I am. I know I'm trying my best to be on the field with my teammates.”

— Anthony Santander, Outfielder

What’s next

Santander is focused on a full recovery and hopes to return to the field later this season, but is prepared to wait until next year if needed.

The takeaway

Santander's shoulder surgery is a significant setback for the Blue Jays, but the team and player are prioritizing a full recovery to ensure he can contribute at a high level in the future. This injury highlights the challenges athletes face in managing injuries while aiming to compete at the highest level.