MLB Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays Eyeing Free Agent Pitchers Ubaldo Jimenez, Ervin Santana; Yankees Still In Mix For Jimenez

As the Major League Baseball free agent period continues to pick up steam, multiple high-profile players continue to garner loads of attention from multiple ball clubs. With big name players already taken out of the availability pool including Jacoby Ellsbury (signed with the Yankees), Brian McCann (Yankees), Curtis Granderson (Mets), Robinson Cano (Mariners), Shin-Soo Choo (Rangers) among others, each of the 30 MLB teams continue to explore ways of upgrading their respective rosters heading into the 2014 campaign. The Toronto Blue Jays are one of those teams interested in upgrading, particularly within the pitching rotation.

After struggling to maintain consistency last season in the competitive American League East division, the Blue Jays are now said to be interested in free agent right-handers Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana. Toronto finished 2013 last in the AL East with a record of 74-88 and even with talented offensive players in Jose Reyes, Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista leading the way, Toronto struggling in the pitching department, finishing 25th in Team ERA (4.25), 25th in WHIP (1.34) and 22nd in BAA (.259). Though Jimenez and Santana don’t serve as dominating pitchers, both have grown into solid starters and would easily provide the organization with stability and talent every five days.

With a starting staff that currently consists of R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle, J.A. Happ and Brandon Morrow, Jimenez or Santana would easily have a place should one ink a contract with the club. Over the past four seasons with the LAA Angels and Kansas City Royals, Ervin Santana has posted a collective ERA of 3.87 while notching 50 wins versus 45 losses. Averaging 7.1 strikeouts per nine innings, the 31-year-old Dominican Republic native could add the balance Toronto is looking for in its rotation.

While Santana sits as an option, 29-year-old Ubaldo Jimenez – who spent the last two and a half seasons with the Cleveland Indians – may be the more feasible option in Canada since his price tag is expected to be lower. Jimenez could earn up to $20 million per season while Ervin Santana is reportedly seeking a contract that will pay him $112 million over five years.

In his final 28 starts in 2013, the former Colorado Rockies ace posted a 2.61 ERA while averaging more than one strikeout per inning. Finishing last season 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA in 32 starts, the now-free agent is looking to find a new home and the Toronto Blue Jays appear to be one of the clubs interested in his services.

Along with the Toronto Blue Jays, the New York Yankees also remain interested in Jimenez. Looking to add to their rotation that currently consists of just three guarantees in CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Hiroki Kuroda, New York sits as a potential suitor with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners also kicking the tires around Jimenez.