Blue Jays, Twins reportedly discussing Ervin Santana

Jul 31, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) throws to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) throws to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins are reportedly discussing a deal for starting pitcher Ervin Santana.

Interest between the Blue Jays and Santana has been reported throughout the weekend, and Toronto’s interest in the veteran right-hander stretches back to the previous regime.

On The Fan 590, Arden Zwelling reported that the current front office,especially general manager Ross Atkins, like Santana.

#Twins and #BlueJays continue discussing Ervin Santana, sources say. @MLB@MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 1, 2016

Just prior to that, Jeremy Nygaard of Twins Daily reported that Santana was on the move.

Now 33, Santana’s contract keeps him under team control at $13.5 million for the next two seasons with a club option for 2019 ($14 million with a $1 million buyout, vests depending on innings pitched in 2017-18).

In 20 starts with the Twins this season, Santana has a 3.66 ERA. Given the upcoming departure of R.A. Dickey via free agency this upcoming offseason, Santana could fill that role both in terms of salary and innings going forward.

Santana has shown improved control this season, walking just 2.3 batters per nine inning. He currently owns a 2.0 fWAR and is forcing soft contact at the highest rate of his career (21.1%).

More on this story as it develops.

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