The New York Mets have signed pitcher Ervin Santana to a minor league deal, Michael Florio reports. The Mets announced the deal later and said that Santana will first report to Port St. Lucie.
Santana, 36, was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox in April and has been a free agent ever since. He had started three games for the Sox, going 0-2 with a 9.45 ERA, 9.54 FIP, and 1.875 WHIP across 13.1 innings. His 2018 season was more of the same, starting only five games with a 8.03 ERA.
2017 was a stellar season for Santana as pitching for the Twins, he went 16-8 with a 3.28 ERA, 4.46 FIP, and 1.126 WHIP, striking out 167 batters in 211.1 innings. He threw five complete games including three shutouts. His best game came in 2011 when he no-hit the Indians.
This move could mean one of two things – One, the Mets just wanted starting pitching depth and Santana is okay with lurking in the minor leagues until he is needed. Two, Jason Vargas is sitting in the ejector seat and if he does not pitch well Saturday, he could be sent by the wayside.
Santana has not pitched well since 2017, but all it takes is the right pitching coach to get him back on track. This is a low-risk signing and a good move considering the Mets apparent lack of starting pitching depth.
