The Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and the Minnesota Twins are engaged in a tight race to sign free-agent pitcher Ervin Santana, who recently made it known that he is now willing to sign a one-year deal.
Santana, who was initially asking for a contract on the $100-million range when he decided to test free agency in November, reportedly received a contract offer from the Twins on Sunday.
According to CBS Sports, the Twins, who are still looking to complete their starting rotation for next season, offered a three-year deal worth $30 to $33 million.
However, the Santana-to-Twins scenario looks like a long shot at this point, considering the fact that the 31-year-old was looking for a four-year deal worth around $50 million before he expressed willingness to accept a one-year offer.
It should also be noted that the $30 to $33 million the Twins offered is not too enticing for Santana because he can earn the same amount in just two seasons. In the event Santana signs a one-year, $15 million deal, he could earn more next season if his team decides to extend a qualifying offer, which is expected to be around $15 million.
"The Twins made a three-year offer to Santana, according to a source familiar with the negotiations, but word continues to be that Santana will most likely sign a one-year deal if he doesn't get something in the neighborhood of his $50-million, four-year asking price," CBS Sports noted.
And with the Twins likely out of the race to sign the former Kansas City Royals pitcher, the Blue Jays and the Orioles are now considered as the most likely destination of Santana.
According to Fox Sports' MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays and the Orioles have already tendered a one-year offer believed to be around $14 million.
The Blue Jays have been the most aggressive suitor of Santana, and they could eventually strike a deal in the coming week. Sources said that Santana is leaning towards playing in Toronto because six of the Blue Jays' players also hail from Dominican Republic.
"The story, as related by a source, reflects the advantage that the Jays hold over other clubs in the recruitment of Santana. Six players on the Jays' projected 25-man roster hail from Santana's native Dominican Republic. Three of those players -- right fielder Jose Bautista, shortstop Jose Reyes and first baseman Edwin Encarnacion -- are among the team's biggest stars," Rosenthal wrote.
© 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
