Free-agent pitcher Johan Santana signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore orioles on Tuesday. He will participate in spring training with the Orioles.
Santana would get a one-year, $3 million contract if the Orioles add him to their roster. He can get bonuses based on how many days he’s on the active roster and how many starts he has. He can earn up to $5.05 million in bonuses, according to ESPN. If Santana is released before March 25 he would get $100,000. If he’s not on the major league roster by May 30, he can opt out of the deal.
He tweeted about the signing on Twitter. "I'd like to thank the Baltimore Orioles for giving me the opportunity to comeback to the game I love. I'll do my best to comeback as quick as I can to help the team and get to know the fans base!!!” he tweeted.
Santan, 34, who is a two-time AL CY Young Award winner, became a free agent after finishing a six-year contract with the New York Mets. The Mets declined an option for $25 million and paid a buyout of $5.5 million. Santana is trying to come back after being plagued by injuries the last couple of seasons. He missed the 2011 season after having shoulder surgery in September 2010, returned on June 1, 2012, and missed last season after an operation on his shoulder. In 12 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and the Mets he is 139-78 with a 3.20 ERA, according to the Associated Press.
Santana will be a great addition to the Orioles roster if he makes it. He led the majors in ERA (2.87) and strikeouts (1,479) and tied for second in wins with 110 from 2004 to 2010. It will be interesting to see if he does make the Orioles roster.
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