FanPost

Santana's Value Plummets

USA TODAY Sports

It was reported earlier today that starter Matt Garza has signed with the Brewers for four years, $52 million.

He was projected to receive four years, $64 million.

This brings in sharp relief exactly how absurd Santana's reported desire for $100 million+ truly was.

Keep in mind that Garza, while somewhat injury prone, has a more consistent record than Santana, and (and this is a huge AND) he will not cost the team signing him a draft pick.

This brings to question exactly how much fellow top starters Jimenez and Santana can reasonably expect to make, given the fact that they will cost the team signing them to forfeit a draft pick.

It's looking more and more likely that Ervin could end up having few suitors coming into spring training, and be forced to negotiate a team friendly contract with the Royals.

As there is no way for the Royals to sign him with a guarantee of no qualifying offer next year (per the CBA), it's unlikely Santana will accept a 1 year deal from the Royals given the crop of top starters expected in 2015 (including our own James Shields).

What are your thoughts?

Personally, I'd be happy for the Royals to bring back Santana on a 3 or 4 year deal that's relatively team friendly. With Shields gone next year, Guthrie the following (I hope, please don't exercise the option!), and the likelihood that at least one of Zimmer, Ventura and Duffy don't pan out, there is likely to be a need for a veteran arm.

The question remains though, how much will Mr. Glass be willing to spend beyond what he has already?

While we could see a salary dump trade of Hoch and Davis, the entire RR community has already discussed this at length and it appears the consensus is that if it was going to happen, it would have/should have by now.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Royals Review community. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the editors and writers of this site.