Report: Jays in lead for either Jimenez, Santana

Ubaldo Jimenez has agreed to a four-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, according to a report. (Tony Dejak/AP)

The Toronto Blue Jays are “leading candidates” to sign either Ubaldo Jimenez or Ervin Santana, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

The Jays are in possession of two protected first-round picks, Nos. 9 and 11, and as a result would only need to give up a second-round draft pick in addition to the money needed to sign one of the two free-agent right-handers.

Toronto would be required to give up a draft pick as compensation to either Jimenez’s or Santana’s former team because the two pitchers both declined qualifying offers from their former teams making it so that any team that wants to sign one of them must send a high draft pick to their former club.

Jimenez, 29, recorded a 13-9 record with 194 strikeouts, 80 walks and a 3.30 ERA in 32 games started for the Cleveland Indians last season.

Santana, 31, went 9-10 with 161 strikeouts, 51 walks and a 3.24 ERA in 32 games started for the Kansas City Royals last season.

Both men have been named All-Stars once.

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