Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

by Charlie Walters

Much has been made of the Twins' seemingly bleak chances, for financial reasons, of retaining Johan Santana when he becomes eligible for free agency following the 2008 season. By winning his second Cy Young Award last season, it turns out the left-hander's market value may have increased even more than initially anticipated.

Santana's contract, it has been learned, includes a clause that could hinder the Twins from trading him this year if the club believes it won't be able to re-sign him for 2009.

Being among the top three vote getters for the 2006 Cy Young Award triggered a no-trade provision for Santana for 2007. Had he not been among the top three, Santana had the right, by contract, to choose 12 teams to which he could be traded.

Now, Santana cannot be traded to any team in 2007 without his approval. His price tag could reach $20 million a year on the open market after the 2008 season.

The Twins probably wouldn't want to wait until 2008 to trade him, though, if they determined they wouldn't be able to afford him after that season. By waiting, Santana's trade value could diminish.

With the no-trade clause this year, Santana has leverage to reject any deal unless a team is willing to provide him with a huge contract extension. That could limit the Twins' ability to get market value for him in a trade.

If Santana, a unanimous Cy Young Award choice last season, isn't among the top three Cy Young vote getters after the coming season, his contract reverts to a 12-team limited trade clause for 2008.

Santana, 27, is signed for $12 million this year and $13.25 in 2008. That's considerably below market value considering Barry Zito's recent $18 million per season free-agent contract with San Francisco.

The Yankees' expected trade of five-time Cy Young winner Randy Johnson, 43, and his $16 million contract for this year could be connected to an effort to sign Santana for 2009, when they will move into a new stadium.