MLB Trade & Free Agent Rumors 2014: NY Yankees Interested in Ervin Santana; Ubaldo Jimenez Could Return to Cleveland Indians

The New York Yankees successfully acquired Masahiro Tanaka despite strong pitches from other rival clubs, but despite making some expensive deals this offseason, the club is still willing to make another big move before Spring Training.

MLB Daily Dish reported that the Yankees are planning to pursue another big-name pitcher to finally complete their starting rotation, and Ervin Santana is reportedly on top of their list.

Rant Sports, citing an unnamed source, also confirmed that the Yanks are highly interested in Santana, who could fill up the remaining spot on their starting rotation that is currently composed of CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Ivan Nova, and Tanaka.

"After signing Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka to a seven-year, $155 million deal last week, the New York Yankees do not seem to be done trying to improve their pitching rotation. With Ervin Santana still on the market, the Yankees could be one of many teams gunning for him as he is the last major prize left on the market," the source noted.

Signing Santana appears to be a long shot at this point since teams who lost out in the Tanaka sweepstakes have more to offer in terms of money and projected roles with the club.

Sources said that the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and the Seattle Mariners are also keen to sign the 31-year-old pitcher, while teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, and the Baltimore Orioles are also expected to express their interest in signing the righthander.

Aside from Santana, free agent pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez is also expected to be on the radar of several MLB teams.

The Blue Jays are reportedly planning to make a pitch to both Jimenez and Santana, but the club is still waiting for the final asking price of each pitcher before striking a deal.

Both players also turned down qualifying offers from their previous teams, which means that the team that acquires either player will have to give up draft picks. The attached draft pick is reportedly discouraging teams from intensifying their pursuit.

And in the event Jimenez remains unsigned in the coming weeks, the 30-year-old could find himself back with the Indians next season.

"If Jimenez can't get a three to four year deal, and comes knocking on the Tribe's door, I bet both parties would jump at the chance to sign a one-year deal at or below $14 million. It would allow the Indians to keep a grip on their payroll and add a key arm to their rotation," the Northeast Ohio Media Group reported.