Blue Jays apologize to Muslim community for Anthony Santander’s outburst — as he remains silent

Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro apologized Thursday to the Muslim community following Islamophobic comments made by outfielder Anthony Santander following Abdul El-Sayed’s win in the Michigan Senate race earlier this month.

The franchise has asked Santander to address his remarks but he has not done so, per TSN.

“We met with leaders in Toronto’s Muslim communities today, who shared the harm caused by Anthony Santander’s Islamophobic social media posts,” Shapiro said in a statement posted to the team’s X account. “The opportunity to listen and learn was important and reaffirms our beliefs and values as an organization. We condemn Islamophobia and all forms of hate.

“The Blue Jays are deeply sorry to the Muslim community and our fans for the pain and harm these Islamophobic posts have caused. We will work with leaders in Muslim communities to fight against all forms of hate. The Blue Jays will continue to ensure our organization reflects the inclusive community we are proud to call home.”

Shapiro’s statement marks the third time the Blue Jays or someone affiliated with the organization have publicly rebuked Santander’s comments.

Santander, 32, posted a pair of videos to his Instagram Story with anti-Muslim rhetoric after Muslim candidate El-Sayed defeated Republican nominee Mike Rogers on Nov. 4.

El-Sayed is the first Muslim candidate to be elected to the United States Senate.

One of the clips shared by Santander said “America voted for Sharia Last Night” and another stated “Islam is not peaceful.”

The Blue Jays immediately reacted, releasing a statement to The Athletic stating: “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.”

Toronto general manager Ross Atkins then scolded Santander on Tuesday at the GM meetings.

“There really aren’t words to express my level of disappointment with him making those comments. I’ve expressed that to him,” said Atkins, per Sportsnet.

The organizational responses raise questions about Santander’s future with the organization after signing a five-year, $92.5 million contract ahead of the 2025 season.

He has appeared in just 54 games with the team and did not play last season due to injury, and slashed just .175/.271/.294 with six homers and 18 RBIs in 2025.

The Blue Jays still owe him $57.1 million when including a $5 million buyout for the 2030 season, and Toronto has shown it will move on from players who make phobic comments.

Toronto cut struggling reliever Anthony Bass in 2023 after making anti-LGBTQ+ comments, calling it a “baseball decision” while citing the remarks as a small factor.