Johan Santana (Last Major League Team- New York Mets 2012)
Johan Santana is attempting a comeback after two failed attempts with the Blue Jays and Orioles. Santana has not pitched in a major league game since 2012, when he had a 6-9 record with 22 starts and a 4.85 ERA. However let’s not forget his historic no-hitter, the first and only in New York Mets history in which he threw 134 pitches.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) Santana is gunning for a midseason comeback with a familiar team. As Santana has only played in the Majors with 2 teams, the Twins and the Mets, it seems likely that these are the most “comfortable” teams for him. With the bottom feeder Twins unlikely to make it to the postseason, it is doubtful he would look to join a losing team, leaving the Mets as his probable favorite.
With the Mets already loaded with their starting rotation, it seems very likely he would be a bullpen guy, which he says he’s fine with. However, the Mets already have 2 Lefty Relievers, so a return to New York is doubtful. The Twins have 2 Eligible Lefties in the Pen, but only 1 in the starting rotation. If Santana is serious about a return, he might have to consider the Twins and possibly unfamiliar teams as viable options.
Possible Landing Spots: Although his prospects look bleak right now, he could impress with a showcase and land with a team that is desperately in need of a pitcher. I’d say the Twins, Brewers and Braves are the only teams willing to even consider him at this point.
Next: Brian Wilson