New York Yankees News & Rumors: Team Interested in Signing Free Agent Pitcher Johan Santana
The New York Yankees are shopping and making a lot of moves this offseason in attempts to avoid missing the postseason for a third consecutive year. According to numerous reports, the Yankees are "keeping an eye" on Johan Santana.
Santana did not pitch all of last season because of a torn Achilles tendon.
The 35-year-old Santana has accomplished a lot of great things in Major League Baseball. In 2012 he pitched the first ever no-hitter for the New York Mets in franchise history, and he has made the All-Star team four times in his career. Twice with the Minnesota Twins (2004, 2006) Santana was awarded the best honor of any pitcher in baseball: the Cy Young Award.
The Venezuelan lefty has won 139 games in MLB, and he has led the American League in strikeouts three times. Santana has been pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League, and the Yankees are paying attention.
So, should the Yankees make Santana an offer?
Bringing in Santana has its positives and negatives. On the positive side, he brings relief to the rotation. The Yankees have a lot of hitting issues, especially with Derek Jeter retired, but last season the Pinstripes ranked 18th in team pitching ERA. That's not terrible bottom-of-the-barrel pitching, but it certainly won't win the American League East. Another thing to keep in mind is Masahiro Tanaka. Tanaka had a phenomenal rookie season last year, but a torn UCL and elbow inflammation have many believing he needs more help around him.
Santana probably wouldn't demand a huge contract or long term deal either given his age and recent injuries.
On the negative end, many Yankees fans believe the franchise is entering a new chapter. With Jeter no longer on the squad, there are a lot of issues on this team from power hitting, pitching and speed. Rebuilding and bringing in younger talent may be a better option. Future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki is still a free agent, and it doesn't look like he will be returning. Another factor to consider is injuries. Santana missed the 2011 season because of shoulder surgery as well. If the Yankees were going to bring Santana on board, it would have to be for a low cost contract.
Santana pitched four great years in Queens. It would be interesting to see him finish his career in the Bronx.
While the two biggest names on the free agency market are easily James Shields and Max Scherzer, they will come at a very high price. Rumors are swirling that Scherzer is looking for a contract worth more than $200 million, and the Yankees just can't invest that kind of money (or time) into an older pitcher right now.
Santana could be a good addition for the Yankees this upcoming season with his experience and high strikeout counts. If general manager Brian Cashman can persuade Santana to a team friendly contract, this could be a great investment.
Should the Yankees sign Johan Santana? Feel free to vote below
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