As expected, the Braves have extended a qualifying offer to starter Ervin Santana.
Earlier today Santana’s agent told David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Santana would consider accepting the offer. That could’ve been bluster to scare the Braves off from doing so, but if it was a bluff, it has been called.
Then again, Santana rode this railroad last year and ended up not latching on anywhere until March due to the draft pick compensation tied to him by virtue of the Royals giving him a qualifying offer. It’s possible he wants to avoid that fate again.
Santana finished the season with a 3.95 ERA and a 179/63 K/BB ratio in 196 innings.