The Toronto Blue Jays finally landed an star free agent in Anthony Santander, but Ross Atkins' sobering admission proves that it was always going to take long.

From the opening of free agency onwards, Anthony Santander recalls he kept hearing about the Toronto Blue Jays. Victor Martinez, a fellow Venezuelan and longtime friend who’s a special assistant to baseball operations with the club,

Toronto general manager Ross Atkins said a Blue Jays jersey with Anthony Santander's name on it was "floating around our office" throughout the offseason.

The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly have more payroll flexibility even in the wake of signing Anthony Santander to a five-year deal earlier this week. Santander si

Outfielder Anthony Santander’s $92.5 million, five-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays includes up to $61.75 million in deferred payments

The Toronto Blue Jays have been looking for more starting pitching and there still are options in free agency for the taking.

As full details emerge, one major takeaway remains: the Toronto Blue Jays perfectly executed the Anthony Santander deal. Adding the switch-hitting outfielder to the middle of Toronto’s batting order came at the cost of five guaranteed seasons.