Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins expressed deep disappointment Tuesday over anti-Muslim videos shared on social media by Anthony Santander, saying the player's conduct conflicted with the organization's values. Santander has since removed the videos from his social media pages.
Speaking at the general managers' meetings on November 10, Atkins said he had discussed the matter directly with Santander. In comments reported by Sportsnet, he described content that contributes to hatred, including anti-Islamic sentiment, as deeply troubling and said he struggled to convey the extent of his disappointment.
Santander, who is from Venezuela, shared the videos after the U.S. midterm elections last week. One featured a Christian pastor making a blanket derogatory statement about Muslims. Another suggested that Sharia law would be imposed in the United States following Abdul El-Sayed's election to the Senate.
Atkins said his conversation with Santander included concerns about the player's lack of awareness of the reach and influence of his social media activity. He said he wanted Santander to understand the responsibility associated with having a large public platform and what sharing such material meant.
The general manager also connected his criticism to the Blue Jays' efforts to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. He said the organization had been working hard internally on that goal and regarded the principle that baseball should be open to everyone as an important part of its values.
In a statement issued after the posts, the Blue Jays emphasized their commitment to inclusion and to making fans feel welcome at their ballpark. The team said comments made by individuals did not reflect the organization's beliefs or values.
Whether Santander will speak publicly about the controversy remains unclear. Atkins said he had encouraged the player to do so, telling him that he believed a public response was necessary. The general manager did not indicate that Santander had committed to making one.
Atkins said he believed Santander understood his concerns and felt badly about what had happened, while stressing that he did not want to speak on the player's behalf.
Santander entered professional baseball as an amateur free agent from Venezuela in 2011, at age 16. He signed with Toronto before the 2025 season, but injuries have limited him to 54 games over the past two seasons.
