Blue Jays distance themselves from OF Anthony Santander's anti-Islam Instagram posts

The Toronto Blue Jays released a statement Thursday distancing the club from a pair of anti-Islam Instagram posts from outfielder Anthony Santander.The posts were a pair of reels shared on Santander’s Instagram story, both posted in the wake of the United States midterm elections that saw Democrats capture control of the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and several state governments. Santander’s first video consisted of one account tracking the number of Muslims elected to government positions, most notably senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, and arguing that “All good Muslims believe in and want Sharia law instead of American law.” The second video features a Christian minister proclaiming, among other things, that there is “no such thing as kind Muslims.”The posts have since been removed from Santander’s IG story.When asked for comment by Paul Ross of CTV News Toronto, the Blue Jays provided the following statement:"Baseball is for everyone, and the Blue Jays have created an inclusive experience where all fans feel welcome at our ballpark. Individual comments do not represent our organization's values and beliefs."Santander was born and raised in Venezuela, coming to the U.S. after signing with the Cleveland Indians as a teenager. He spent his entire MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles before moving to Canada on a five-year $92.5 million contract with the Blue Jays following the 2024 season.Per Canadian census data from 2021, Toronto has a 9.6% Muslim population and make up 4.9% of Canada overall.All of this comes more than a year since Santander played his most recent game for the Blue Jays. His first season saw him play only 54 games due to a lingering shoulder injury and slash only .175/.271/.294 at the plate when he did play. His injury worsened during the 2025 postseason and resulted in surgery on his left labrum.Santander began a rehab assignment in September this season, but he wound up playing only five games before the season ended without a return to MLB. He has three guaranteed seasons remaining on his contract after 2026, with a salary ranging from $15.5 million to $19.2 million with deferrals, plus a $15 million team option for 2030.