Former Twins pitcher and two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana is reportedly close to signing a minor-league contract, but not with the Minnesota Twins.
The Twins have been interested in Santana, but it looks like the Baltimore Orioles are swooping in to sign the former Twins ace, according to Yahoo Sports.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter wouldn’t confirm the reports, but told Yahoo, “There are irons in the fire. Certain things like that come to fruition at different times.”
The Orioles have been busy signing free agents in the last few weeks. They have signed right-hander Suk min Yoon, Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz recently.
“In the past he was one of the best. Hopefully he can regain his form and be a help for us,” Orioles slugger Chris Davis said. “There are some things you can’t coach and experience is one of those things, and he definitely brings that to the table.”
Star Tribune beat writer La Velle E. Neal reports the Twins and Santana couldn’t agree on figures. He is recovering from surgeries on his left shoulder and is months away from helping a team, but could sign with someone to help push him through the final stages of the comeback.
The Twins had several scouts at Santana’s bullpen session in Ft. Myers, Florida last week. The lefty still had a solid change up, but his fast ball velocity topped out at 81 mph.
Santana pitched for the Twins for eight seasons compiling a 93-44 record. He was traded to the New York Mets following the 2007 season.
He last pitched in the majors in 2012, compiling a 6-9 record for the Mets before suffering a shoulder injury that ended his season. Santana has undergone two surgeries to his left shoulder and is targeting a June 1 return date.
