Fox Sports is reporting that Twin star Johan Santana will not waive his no-trade clause during the season. That essentially limits the Twins’ options to trading him before the season starts, or allow him to walk via free agency in exchange for two draft picks. When you consider the type of offers the Twins are apparently receiving for the Cy Young award winner, Santana’s proclamation makes it even more likely he’ll be dealt soon.

Santana figures to be the center of the hot stove galaxy until he is in fact traded and right now it looks like the Bo Sox are in the lead. The Sox’s offer reportedly once again includes Jacoby Ellisbury but the Twins have continued to ask for both Ellisbury and pitcher Jon Lester.

On the opposite side of the coin, the Yankees have apparently placed a deadline on their offer of Phillip Hughs, Melky Cabrera, and a third prospect. The Yanks have also provided a list of 5 players aren’t available as that third prospect which includes pitchers Ian Kennedy or Alan Horne, and outfielder Austin Jackson. However, I find it hard to believe any team would turn their back on acquiring a pitcher of Santana’s caliber, and the Yanks have already shown the world how much their ultimatums actually mean (see negotiating with A-Rod after he opted out).

Once Twins settle on an offer they like, the team acquiring Santana will still have to negotiate a contract extension for the ace which will likely end up being the richest in history for a pitcher. Anyone worried about not hearing enough about Santana can set their mind at ease, we’ve got a long way to go still.

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