From Hero to Liability? Blue Jays’ Offseason Big-Ticket Signings Among MLB’s Worst Contract Busts
What began as an ambitious offseason for the Toronto Blue Jays has quickly turned sour. Just six months into the 2025 MLB season, two of their most high-profile signings — outfielder Anthony Santander and veteran pitcher Max Scherzer — are being labeled among the league’s worst contract busts. A team with postseason ambitions is now facing serious questions about its front office decisions and the short- and long-term consequences of these investments.
The Blue Jays signed Anthony Santander to a 5-year, $92.5 million deal with hopes that he would be a consistent middle-of-the-order bat. Coming off a career-best 44-homer season in Baltimore, Santander appeared to be entering his prime. But through the first half of 2025, his production has completely cratered. He is hitting just .188/.270/.327 with only 6 home runs. Worse, his advanced metrics paint an even bleaker picture: a −0.6 bWAR, signaling he’s performing worse than a replacement-level player.
Santander’s slump isn’t limited to the plate. His defense — never a strength — has become more of a liability in right field. Add to that his limited speed and lack of base-running impact, and he’s become a one-dimensional player who isn’t contributing in any phase of the game. With four years remaining on his contract, Santander’s decline is raising concerns that Toronto may be saddled with a long-term problem, not just a slow start.
Meanwhile, Max Scherzer’s situation is different — but no less disappointing. Signed to a 1-year, $15.5 million deal, Scherzer was expected to provide veteran leadership and stability to the Blue Jays’ rotation. However, the 40-year-old made just one three-inning start before being placed on the injured list with recurring thumb inflammation. He’s spent most of the season on the 60-day IL and has yet to return to full strength.
For a pitcher of Scherzer’s pedigree, there was always an understanding that injury risk came with the territory — especially at his age. But the Blue Jays were banking on his experience and competitiveness to outweigh those risks. Instead, they’ve essentially paid over $15 million for one forgettable outing, and there’s no clear timetable for his return.
These high-profile misses have not gone unnoticed. Bleacher Report recently ranked Santander as the second-worst contract in baseball this season, with Scherzer also making the top ten. Toronto media outlets have begun questioning the team’s offseason strategy and whether the front office misjudged both players’ fit and long-term viability.
For a club expected to compete in a tough AL East, these signings have become dead weight — both financially and on the field. With limited flexibility to make in-season adjustments, the Blue Jays now face the possibility of missing the playoffs and carrying these burdens into 2026. What once seemed like a win-now push has quickly morphed into a cautionary tale of poor roster construction.