According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe and MLB Network plainly stated this on twitter:
Phillies now inquiring about Ervin Santana
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) March 7, 2014
That’s all. Your co-Ace goes down, you look to the market. But buyer beware with Santana. Not only does he reportedly want a four-year deal with big money, but he’s tied to draft pick compensation.
If the Phillies were to sign him, they’d give up a second-round pick in the next draft. Because they finished as one of the 10 worst teams in the majors last year, their first round pick is protected.
Is he worth it? Not only are you going to overpay for a guy that is probably a third or fourth starter, but you’ll lose a valuable draft choice that the Phillies will need to rebuild a broken down roster in time. Do you do it?