Anthony Santander Undergoes Labral Surgery, Likely Out Much of 2026

Let’s take a look at Anthony Santander’s upcoming left labral surgery, the six-month rehab window, and what it might mean for the Toronto Blue Jays’ roster as Spring Training kicks off.

Santander’s surgery, timeline, and the Blue Jays’ stance on roster moves

Anthony Santander heads in for left labral surgery on Wednesday with Dr. Keith Meister. He’ll likely miss five to six months.

The decision followed a frustrating shoulder issue, including a subluxation in 2025 and inflammation that flared up in January when he started hitting again. These recurring injuries and his up-and-down performance basically erased the first year of his five-year, $92.5 million deal—a contract Toronto really needs to work out as they try to stay in the hunt for 2026.

He made it back late in 2025 for the postseason but then had to leave the ALCS roster after hurting his back. Manager John Schneider and the medical staff tried to fix things with rehab and rest, but surgery looked like the only real way to get Santander healthy again.

General manager Ross Atkins says the Blue Jays won’t panic-shop in the market. He pointed out that landing a big bat would probably mean giving up another key player, so the team plans to lean on internal depth and keep developing their own guys as the season starts.

Last year, Toronto leaned on backups like Ernie Clement, Addison Barger, and Nathan Lukes. Barger mostly played right field, which shifted the infield—third base seemed locked for Kazuma Okamoto, while Leo Jiménez got a shot as an optionless infielder.

With Santander out, the Blue Jays will need to give more reps to other internal options and prospects. They’re hoping to soften the impact of his absence and keep some real depth in both the infield and outfield as they build the 26-man roster.

In-house depth options and likely roles

With Santander sidelined, the Jays will mix veteran depth with developing players to fill the gaps. They’re banking on the versatility of their in-house options to cover key spots and handle any surprises the season brings.

• Nathan Lukes – should get more playing time, probably bouncing between infield and outfield as needed.
• Myles Straw – another flexible piece who can handle center or corner outfield and bring some defense.
• Davis Schneider – a young bat with infield flexibility who’s likely to see regular at-bats in different roles.
• RJ Schreck – a prospect who’ll get a look in upper-minors or spring games, maybe even an MLB call if he keeps hitting.
• Joey Loperfido – another name who could work into the outfield or infield mix, especially if spring training gets weird.
• Kazuma Okamoto – locked in at third base, still a cornerstone at the hot corner while Santander recovers.
• Leo Jiménez – an optionless infielder who might grab a regular role if he impresses and moves up quickly.

Spring Training context and other roster considerations

As pitchers and catchers show up for Spring Training, Toronto faces a tricky set of roster questions that go beyond Santander’s injury. The front office needs to balance player development with the pressure to win now, especially in a division where every team seems to have depth lurking on the bench.

The timing of Santander’s surgery makes things feel even more urgent. They need to look at internal options fast and figure out how to get the most out of everyone once the season kicks off.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have other health issues to juggle, mostly with their pitchers. Shane Bieber isn’t ramping up as quickly as hoped because of right forearm fatigue. It’s a reminder—sometimes even the best arms need a slower start or some careful workload management.

Then there’s Bowden Francis, who’ll be out for all of 2026 after UCL reconstruction. That’s a tough blow and makes it clear how hard it is to keep enough pitching depth on hand, let alone build a bullpen that can last through a long season.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Santander (labral surgery) expected to miss much of ’26 season