Around AL Central: Masterson’s contract, Santana could stay in KC & Mauer moving

Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Royals

A member of the Royals starting five from 2013 is still unsigned. Ervin Santana is still out on the free agent market, and while his name has been linked to other teams, Kansas City hasn’t ruled out bringing back the veteran.

"“We’re continuing to monitor his situation, and the level of our involvement has yet to be determined,” Moore said. “He was a terrific pitcher for us last year. I’m confident Erv will get a very good deal.”   Moore said the Royals could be interested in retaining Santana, who delivered one of his best major-league seasons in 2013, but didn’t specify terms. – Blair Kerkhoff, The Kansas City Star"

Santana posted a career-low 3.24 ERA last year and used that to inflate his asking price to a reported $112 million over five years. This may have scared potential suitors, especially Kansas City who take a mindset of building from within and limiting free agent spending. With pitchers and catchers reporting in just a few weeks, Santana could be dropping his asking price, allowing it to become more “Royals-friendly.”

Right now, Kansas City’s rotation is shaping up to be James Shields, Jason Vargas, Jeremy Guthrie, Danny Duffy, and either Wade Davis or Yordano Ventura.

Follow the jump for news on the Minnesota Twins.