Johan Santana, seen here in this Juy 15, 2012, file photo, has been signed by the Toronto Blue Jays. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos says signing former Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana to a minor-league contract is a “no-risk deal.”
Anthopoulos says if the move pans out, it’s highly unlikely the 35-year-old would be ready for Opening Day.
But the Jays say they believe Santana can be effective if healthy. They also believe he can help other pitchers.
The Venezuelan left-hander has not appeared in a major-league game since 2012 due to a shoulder injury. If he does make the team, he will make a pro-rated contract of $2.5 million US with bonuses.
But Anthopoulos said the team is not interested in having him pitch in the minors.
Santana is expected in camp this weekend.
