Angels trade pitcher Ervin Santana to Royals for minor leaguer
Shortly after exercising a $13 million option on his contract for next season, the Los Angeles Angels then turned around and traded right-handed pitcher Ervin Santana to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, according to multiple media reports.
In return, the Royals sent minor league left-hander Brandon Sisk to Los Angeles.
Santana has been a key part of the Angels' starting rotation since 2005, having compiled a record of 96-80 during that time with a 4.33 ERA, having at least 23 starts in each season. He has spent his entire professional baseball career with the Angels, who signed Santana as a free agent in 2000.
Santana, who recorded 16 wins or more in three of his seasons with the Angels, including a berth on the 2008 American League All-Star team, turns 30 in December. He threw a no-hitter in 2011 and a one-hitter this past season, but he also tailed off in 2012, finishing with an uncharacteristically poor 9-13 record and a 5.16 ERA. He also allowed an A.L. league high 39 home runs to opposition hitters.
The Royals are expected to pay the majority of Santana's contract.
As for Sisk, he spent last season with Triple-A Omaha, recording a 3-2 record with a 2.54 ERA and eight saves. He's currently pitching in the Venezuelan winter league. Sisk has never pitched in the major leagues.
