MLB News: Johan Santana Signs Minor League Contract With Baltimore Orioles; Invite To Spring Training Included

Despite topping out at 81 mph during a recent workout for seven Major League Baseball teams, 34-year-old lefthander Johan Santana has signed a one-year, $3 million minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. The deal includes an invite to Spring Training where the former Cy Young Award winner hopes to impress enough to eventually land a spot with the big league club. Along with the Orioles, the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins held varying degrees of interest in the lefty but it was Baltimore who eventually felt comfortable enough to bring Santana aboard.

“In the past he was one of the best,” Orioles first baseman Chris Davis said shortly after the American League East affiliate signed the once-dominant pitcher. “Hopefully he can regain his form and be a help for us. There are some things you can’t coach and experience is one of those things, and he definitely brings that to the table.” Santana -- who won the Cy Young Award in 2004 and 2006 as a member of the Twins – has not pitched consistently since appearing in 21 games with the New York Mets in 2012. While endurance and arm stability are certainly issues, the Orioles are just hoping to receive a capable talent who will be able to help the ball club as needed.

Coming off the second surgery in two years on his left shoulder, Johan Santana will now look to reestablish himself with a Baltimore Orioles club who have not been afraid to spend money during the offseason. In addition to landing the veteran, Baltimore also inked starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez to a four-year, $50 million deal and former Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz to a one-year contract worth $8 million, a move the organization hopes will help elevate a talented offense that ranked fifth in total RBI’s and first in home runs last season.