The New York Yankees want no less than a World Series title next season as proven by the lucrative moves they made this offseason. But despite already committing more than $400 million in salary this summer, the Pinstripes aren't done tweaking their roster.
The Boston Globe reported that the Yankees are still very interested in acquiring free agent pitcher Ervin Santana, who is one of the best free agents who are still unsigned at this point.
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Sources said that Santana have been drawing the interest of several teams who are still looking to fill out their starting rotation. The Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and Yankees are considered as frontrunners in the race to sign the 31-year-old pitcher.
The Blue Jays are considered as the most ideal landing spot for Santana, but that could change soon with sources saying that the Yankees will intensify their efforts to sign the nine-year veteran.
The Yankees have one of the most formidable starting rotations at this point, which includes CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Ivan Nova, and Japanese pitching sensation Masahiro Tanaka, who inked a lucrative seven-year, $155-million deal with the Yankees last month.
"Santana seems to be at the plate now that the dust has settled and teams need to fill out rotation spots. The Mariners, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Orioles all have some degree of interest now that his salary demands have come down. The Jays need him the most, but the Yankees could really use one more solid starter to finish off their staff. Don't be surprised if their efforts intensify," the Boston Globe noted.
Santana is considered as one of the best available pitchers on the free agent market this offseason, but his $100-million asking price has been shying away teams from signing him. Sources said that Santana might be willing to accept less money, but not less enough to attract more bidders.
It should also be noted that Santana turned down Kansas City Royals' $14.1-million qualifying offer in November, which means that a signing team will have to surrender their highest unprotected pick to the Royals as compensation.
Previous reports indicated that Santana could return to Kansas City if he fails to land a contract, but the Royals have already ruled out a possible reunion with the right hander.
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