Blue Jays Apologize for Santander’s Anti-Muslim Posts

Toronto Blue Jays chief executive Mark Shapiro expressed regret to Muslim community leaders on November 12, saying Santander’s posts had caused harm. The team said it would work with Muslim communities to oppose hatred and reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive organization and ballpark experience.

Santander shared two videos on Instagram after El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in the November 4 Senate race. One claimed that the United States had voted for Sharia, while another said Islam was not peaceful. El-Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate.

The Blue Jays have asked Santander to address his posts, but he has not done so. Shapiro’s apology is the third public rebuke from the team or someone associated with it. General manager Ross Atkins said on November 10 that he was deeply disappointed and had told Santander so.

The team’s response has raised questions about Santander’s future in Toronto. He signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract before the 2025 season, but has played only 54 games for the Blue Jays and missed last season with an injury. In 2025, he hit .175 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. Toronto remains responsible for $57.1 million, including a $5 million buyout for 2030.

The Blue Jays released reliever Anthony Bass in 2023 after anti-LGBTQ+ comments, describing the move as a baseball decision and saying his remarks were a small factor.

Blue Jays Apologize After Santander’s Islamophobic Posts

The Blue Jays’ apology recognizes the harm caused by Santander’s posts and the responsibility a major sports organization has to make its community welcome. CEO Mark Shapiro met with Muslim leaders in Toronto and said the team would work with them to combat hatred.

Santander shared videos claiming the United States had voted for Sharia and that Islam was not peaceful after El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers on November 4. El-Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. The Blue Jays have asked Santander to speak about the posts, but he has remained silent.

General manager Ross Atkins said on November 10 that he was deeply disappointed and had told Santander so. Shapiro’s apology is the third public rebuke of the comments from the club or someone affiliated with it. The team’s response matters, but it does not resolve the question of Santander’s future.

Santander signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal before the 2025 season. He has appeared in 54 games for Toronto, missed last season with an injury and hit .175 with six home runs and 18 RBIs in 2025. The team still owes him $57.1 million, including a $5 million buyout for 2030. Toronto cut Anthony Bass in 2023 after anti-LGBTQ+ comments, saying they were a small factor in what it called a baseball decision.

Blue Jays Apology Leaves Santander’s Future in Question

The Blue Jays have publicly condemned Santander’s posts and apologized to Muslim community leaders, while the outfielder has yet to address the controversy himself. CEO Mark Shapiro said the team would work with Muslim communities to fight hatred and maintain an inclusive organization.

Santander shared two videos after El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers on November 4. One said America had voted for Sharia, and another said Islam was not peaceful. El-Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. The team has asked Santander to respond, but he has not done so.

General manager Ross Atkins said on November 10 that he was deeply disappointed and had conveyed that to Santander. Shapiro’s apology was the third public rebuke of the posts from the team or someone associated with it. The organization’s statements have also raised questions about whether Santander has a future in Toronto.

The Blue Jays face a substantial contract commitment: Santander signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal before the 2025 season, and Toronto still owes $57.1 million, including a $5 million buyout for 2030. Santander has played 54 games for the club, missed last season with an injury and hit .175 with six home runs and 18 RBIs in 2025. The team cut Anthony Bass in 2023 after anti-LGBTQ+ comments, describing the move as a baseball decision and the remarks as a small factor.