Ervin Santana May Reject Atlanta’s Qualifying Offer

Sep 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ervin Santana (30) pitches during the first inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Ervin Santana may reject qualifying offer from the Atlanta Braves, which could cause some drama this offseason.

The Atlanta Braves made right-hander Ervin Santana a one year, $15.3 million qualifying offer on Monday. Santana has until November 10th at 5PM EST to make a decision on the offer. Last year, Santana signed a one year deal with the Braves for $14.1 million. The right-hander went 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA for the Braves in 2014.

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According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Santana is likely to decline the qualifying offer and test free agency. Santana’s ERA for the season was below his career average and he actually posted his second best strikeout rate at 179. His career best was 214 in 2008 for the Los Angeles Angels. As for where Santana might end up if he does indeed reject the qualifying offer, the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers have popped up as potential landing places.

Sports Illustrated calls Santana the 13th best free agent on the market and the Rangers are targeting that second tier of pitching for a number three starter. Santana spent most of his career with the Angels and has proven that he can be a good pitcher in the AL. He also posted the lowest ERA of his career with the Kansas City Royals in 2013. The Rangers could offer him a two or three year deal that would be cheaper than a top tier pitcher such as James Shields.

Santana is likely to want a multi-year deal after accepting one-year deals for the last two seasons.

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