MLB Trade Rumors: Ervin Santana possibly going to Toronto Blue Jays

Minnesota Twins right-handed starter Ervin Santana is in the mix to be traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. The American League teams are in discussion.

According to MLB Network and Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi, the Toronto Blue Jays are in discussion with the Minnesota Twins in the hopes of acquiring right-handed starter Ervin Santana before the August 1 MLB trade deadline.

Santana’s Twins aren’t going anywhere near the American League postseason this fall. Minnesota boasts an AL worst 40-64 record, so it’s understandable the lowly Twins are a seller in this trade deadline market.

Though Santana has a sub-.500 record of 4-9 in 20 starts for the Twins, he does have a 3.66 ERA and a 1.247 WHIP in 120.1 innings pitched this season. Even though he missed half of the 2015 MLB season for PEDs, Santana’s ERA has been at or below 4.00 since his career turnaround with the 2013 Kansas City Royals.

Given the Blue Jays are an offense-first team, it would make sense for the AL East contender to upgrade their roster at the August 1 deadline.

Toronto is currently only 0.5 games back of the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the AL at 59-46. The Blue Jays hold a one game lead over their AL East rival Boston Red Sox for the first AL Wild Card spot.

With teams like Boston, the Detroit Tigers, the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners all only five games or fewer back in the Wild Card race, nipping at their heels, it makes a great deal of sense for the Blue Jays to bring in an innings eater starting pitcher like Santana. He’ll keep Toronto in close games and could have a huge impact on their rotation should he be traded to the Blue Jays.

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