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In their quest to find free agent pitching, the Yankees have shown interest in Johan Santana. The Mets, Twins, Rays, Orioles, Brewers, and Pirates have also been eyeing the free agent after the Mets bought him out of the remaining $25 million he was owed in 2014.
The Yankees could potentially offer the 34-year-old two-time former Cy Young winner an incentive-laden contract and an invitation to spring training as a non-roster invitee. He could compete with the likes of Michael Pineda, David Phelps, Adam Warren, and others for the fifth rotation spot, however, unless someone really stands out, Santana will throw for teams in January.
He has missed two of the last three seasons due to two shoulder surgeries. He missed the 2011 season, then returned in 2012 to pitch the first no-hitter in Mets history before injuring his shoulder again and requiring a second capsule surgery. Grabbing Santana and signing him to a very low-risk/high-reward contract could be a way for the Yankees to circumvent the high asking prices on the open market and in trades, but it doesn't sound like he's guaranteed to help the team at all.
