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Minnesota Twins Ervin Santana auditioning for 2019

By David Hill |
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Ervin Santana #54 of the Minnesota Twins in action against the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 3, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 8-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Ervin Santana #54 of the Minnesota Twins in action against the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 3, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 8-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

After an injury plagued year, Minnesota Twins starter Ervin Santana is auditioning for a spot in 2019.

The Minnesota Twins were expected to contend in 2018. With everyone but the Cleveland Indians in rebuild mode, and the Twins success last season, this seemed to be a year that they could take over the Central. Lance Lynn and Logan Morrison were signed as free agents, and Jake Odorizzi was acquired in trade. However, we all know what the saying is regarding the best laid plans of mankind. The Twins stumbled out of the gate, and never found their footing.

A part of the frustration from this year has been the absence of Ervin Santana. He had produced an excellent 16-8 record with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.126 WHiP, striking out 167 batters with just 61 walks in 211.1 innings. He led the AL in complete games and shutouts last year, as he was a key component to the Twins surprising success.

This season, however, Santana has yet to see the field. He was sidelined in February after surgery on his middle finger, and was expected to return by the end of April. Instead, he has battled a loss of velocity and continued soreness, leaving him to make his debut on Wednesday. Unsurprisingly, the Twins are not expected to pick up his $14 million team option for 2019.

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This gives Santana essentially two and a half months to audition for the coming year. It is possible that, with a strong performance over the remainder of the season that the Twins will change their mind. However, with six other free agents, including the likes of Brian Dozier and Joe Mauer, a rebuild could be coming. If so, spending that money to pick up Santana’s option would not make much sense, unless he is to be traded.

Of course, Santana could be on the trade block before that. If he has a strong couple of outings before the July deadline, a team could take a chance on him. Or, the Twins could package Santana with another piece to move his salary as well. That option could be enticing for a team for next season.

This all depends on how Santana performs over the coming months. If he can be similar to the player he was last year, then Santana could change the course of a chase for a playoff spot. And, if he can pitch well over the rest of the season, that team option could be all the more attractive.

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Ervin Santana is coming back for the Minnesota Twins. His performance over the coming months could be a major factor in where he ends up in 2019.

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