NASHVILLE, Tenn. - It might be now or never for the Twins if they wish to trade left-hander Johan Santana.
According to major-league sources, Santana has informed the Twins that he would not waive his no-trade clause during the season, ending any chance that he could be moved before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.
Players with no-trade protection occasionally adopt such positions when they are in the free-agent years, fearing that their performance could suffer if they change teams and/or leagues just months before hitting the open market.
The Twins have said privately that they will be content to keep Santana if they do not receive the right offer this off-season, then entertain the possibility of trading him in July. But Santana's stance greatly increases the chances that the Twins will act quickly.
It is in Santana's interest to be traded now because he will require a monster contract to approve a deal. It is expected that the contract would be at least six years and $120 million, and rather than enter the season with the risk of injury, he would prefer the deal to be struck as soon as possible.
If Santana refused to waive his no-trade clause after Opening Day, it would force the Twins to carry him the entire season — and settle for two high draft picks if and when he departed as a free agent.
Meanwhile, the winter meetings begin Monday, and the Yankees are threatening to pull their offer of pitcher Phil Hughes, outfielder Melky Cabrera and a third player if the Twins do not reach a decision early in the week, sources say.
The Red Sox also remain in the mix for Santana, offering a four-player package that includes pitcher Jon Lester or center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury along with shortstop Jed Lowrie. The Sox would include center fielder Coco Crisp if the Twins chose Lester.
Ellsbury, sources say, has been available to the Twins from the start of their discussions with the Red Sox, but not in a deal with Lester. The Sox have told the Twins they are willing to be creative if the Twins are that adamant that Ellsbury is included in the deal.
The sticking point with the Yankees is the identity of the third player. The Yankees want it to be a mid-level prospect, but the Twins have asked for players such as Class AAA shortstop Alberto Gonzalez and Class AA right-hander Alan Horne.
