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.
More from Atlanta Braves
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- Braves Rumors: 3 trade targets Vaughn Grissom can help Atlanta acquire
- Braves Rumors: Cubs trade, Vaughn Grissom targeted, Duvall’s conflict of interest
- Shohei Ohtani Rumors: The best trade package from every NL East team
- MLB Rumors: Potential Braves reunion, Lance Lynn no-trade clause and Orioles deadline intentions
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.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26