Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press throws it down:
"Don’t be surprised if the New York Mets, and not the Yankees, end up with Johan Santana for $20 million a year after the Twins’ Cy Young Award winner becomes a free agent after the 2008 season."
Who knows what Santana could do pitching half his games in Shea Stadium (one season there, at least). I think it’s impossibly early to call any kind of Santana derby, but maybe Walters just wants to send half of New York into a frenzy. If Santana does reach free agency, I’m sure all the major big-budget teams will have interest. He’s only the best pitcher in baseball.
Just for fun: PECOTA says Santana will be worth $21,800,000 for the 2009 season.
Of course, this story from January 29th should not be ignored. The Twins will approach Santana about a contract extension, and Santana is willing to work something out.
