Blue Jays’ Contract for Anthony Santander Highlights MLB’s Growing Use of Deferred Salaries

The $92.5 million deal defers over half of Santander's salary, drawing comparisons to the Dodgers’ controversial financial strategies.

Anthony Santander signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, with $61.75 million deferred until after the contract's expiration.
The deferred structure reduces the present-day value of Santander's deal to $68.6 million, potentially giving the Blue Jays more flexibility under MLB's competitive balance tax threshold.
Santander’s contract includes an opt-out clause after the 2027 season, which Toronto can void by increasing his salary for 2028 and 2029 and exercising a team option for 2030.
The Dodgers have popularized deferred-money contracts, with over $1 billion in deferred salaries across recent deals, leading to scrutiny over the financial impact on states like California.
The Blue Jays’ use of deferred payments raises concerns about potential regulatory and ethical issues, echoing controversies surrounding the Dodgers’ similar practices.