FA Starting Pitchers Suited for the M’s

Sep 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Ervin Santana (54) delivers a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

I’m a big fan of Ervin Santana because he follows me on Twitter. Crazy right? If you don’t believe me go to my Twitter page and see for yourself (nice little bit of self promotion right there!).

Yes, he would likely be the priciest, and would likely want a 4 or 5 year contract. But with consistently solid numbers he could do good things in Seattle. He boasted a 3.24 ERA and logged 211 innings this season. Those numbers are both things the Mariners would welcome. Another 200 inning starting pitcher would be invaluable– especially seeing as the M’s could very well have two rookie starting pitchers in 2014.

Also, Santana will likely cost teams a first round draft pick after he is (likely) extended a qualifying offer. But guess what? The M’s were so bad this season that their first round draft pick is protected. So the draft blow dealt by signing Ervin will whittle down the market a bit and improve the M’s chances.

I would give Santana a 4 year/$88 million deal or a 5 year/$100 million deal. Yes I know that is expensive and is a lot of years to peg on a number 3, but with new TV money and with the need to solidify the middle of our rotation, he could be the Mariners best bet.