According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Mets are hoping they could unload Johan Santana before the start of the season.
Cafardo says that the Mets are one of three teams willing to “pick up most of the freight” to get rid of Santana, Vernon Wells, and Alfonso Soriano.
The Mets would help pay the $31 million left on Santana’s deal. As teams start to round off rotations, he could be a good fifth arm.
That’s the first I’m hearing of this with regards to the team being willing to absorb at least half of what Santana has coming to him. But it does make a lot of sense.
The team owes $31 million anyway, so if you could pay $15 million to get rid of him, and then use the remaining $15 million to attain an outfielder and another arm, why not?
I think teams will see Santana in a different light as a $14-15 million dollar pitcher, rather than a much riskier $31 million dollar pitcher. If the Mets are serious about this it could get the attention of at least 3-4 teams still looking for pitching.
Of course don’t expect much in return for Johan as this would be a pure salary dump. Think Daniel Herrera. But still, I’d be all for it.
