MLB Free Agents 2014 Rumors: NY Yankees Could Intensify Pursuit of Ervin Santana

The New York Yankees are still looking for a solid addition to their starting rotation, and reports on Sunday indicated that they are still very interested in acquiring free agent pitcher Ervin Santana.

According to the Boston Globe, the Yankees know that they are facing tough competition in the race to land Santana, which could force them to make drastic efforts to entice the former Kansas City Royals pitcher.

The Toronto Blue Jays are still considered the most likely landing spot for Santana, but the Yankees will reportedly look to outbid the Jays to sign the 31-year-old pitcher.

"Santana seems to be at the plate now that the dust has settled and teams need to fill out rotation spots. The Mariners, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Orioles all have some degree of interest now that his salary demands have come down. The Jays need him the most, but the Yankees could really use one more solid starter to finish off their staff. Don't be surprised if their efforts intensify," the Boston Globe reported.

Santana, who went 9-10 with a 3.24 ERA with the Royals last season, will be a great addition to the Yankees' already formidable starting rotation, which is composed of CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Ivan Nova, and Masahiro Tanaka, who signed a $155 million, seven-year deal with the Yankees late last month.

However, acquiring Santana will be easier said than done for the Yankees, considering that Jimenez is now off the free agent market.

Teams who failed to sign Jimenez—the Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, and the Colorado Rockies—are also expected to become more aggressive in convincing Santana to sign a contract.

The Blue Jays and the Mariners have been expressing their interests since Santana hit the free agency market, but both teams are reluctant to give into the asking price of the nine-year veteran.

Santana was initially looking for a $100 million contract, but that is expected to go down significantly after Jimenez's signing.

Jimenez signed a four-year deal worth $50 million, which is similar to the contract Matt Garza signed with the Milwaukee Brewers last month. Sources said that Santana will likely command a contract within the same range as Jimenez's and Garza's deal.