As the stalemate lingers in the Red Sox’s pursuit of Twins left-hander Johan Santana, the possibility increases that other teams could enter the mix.
The Angels continue to insist that they are not pursuing Santana. The Mets’ ability to satisfy the Twins is in question because they say they will not trade Jose Reyes. But the Mariners, a team that is trying to add two starting pitchers, do not hide their interest.
That interest only figures to intensify if the Mariners fail to win the intense competition for Japanese free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda.
The Mariners, rival executives say, are intent on making a splash and acquiring a big-name starting pitcher, with Orioles lefty Erik Bedard another potential target.
Still, questions remain about a possible run at Santana:
Are the Mariners willing to offer the Twins a package built around outfielder Adam Jones and right-hander Brandon Morrow? Jones, scouts believe, could be the next Torii Hunter, but the Mariners have indicated they would trade him for the right pitcher.
Are the Mariners willing to pay Santana a minimum of $20 million per season over six or seven years? That would be the price to persuade Santana to waive his no-trade clause.
Is Santana willing to sign with the Mariners? He might prefer to follow the example of Hunter, who signed with the Angels, and go to a market larger than Seattle.
The Red Sox still appear to be the most likely match for the Twins, but while the teams are maintaining a healthy dialogue, a source said they “are just not matching up right now.”