Blue Jays issue apology to Muslim community after outfielder's Islamophobic posts

Toronto Blue Jays president and chief executive officer Mark Shapiro said the team met with leaders of the city’s Muslim community on Thursday to discuss the "pain and harm" caused by outfielder Anthony Santander’s Islamophobic social-media posts. Shapiro said the meeting reinforced the club’s values and that the organization "condemns Islamophobia and all forms of hate" and will continue to ensure the club reflects the inclusive community it calls home.

General manager Ross Atkins told reporters that he had spoken with Santander and asked the player to address the controversy publicly, but Santander has not yet issued a comment or apology. Atkins expressed disappointment with the situation.

Santander, who signed a five-year, US$92.5 million contract with Toronto in January 2025, shared videos after the U.S. midterm elections that featured a Christian preacher claiming "there is no such thing as kind Muslims" and suggested Sharia law would be imposed in the United States.

Steven Zhou, media and communications lead for the National Council of Canadian Muslims, described the meeting as a "positive step" and said the organization expects further actions, including training for the player and a personal apology.

The Blue Jays have not disclosed any disciplinary measures, and it remains unclear how the team will address potential violations of social-media policy or contract morality clauses. The club’s owner, Rogers Communications Inc., has not responded to inquiries.

Santander hit 44 home runs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024 but posted a .175 batting average with six homers in 54 games for Toronto in the injury-limited 2025 season. He is expected to be healthy for the 2027 season. Spring training is slated to begin in February, though a possible MLB lockout could affect the schedule.