The New York Yankees may now be the frontrunners in the Johan Santana sweepstakes.

The Red Sox and Twins are discussing the framework of a Johan Santana deal that would have Boston sending four players to Minnesota in return for the two-time Cy Young Award winner, including center fielder Coco Crisp, pitcher Jon Lester and minor-league shortstop Jed Lowrie, the trio that would anchor the deal.

Speculation in MLB circles swirled Wednesday that the Mets, who desperately need to obtain a frontline starter this winter, were considering parting with Jose Reyes to obtain Johan Santana in the wake of a separate pending Twins deal yesterday that would send Minnesota's shortstop, Jason Bartlett, to Tampa Bay along with pitcher Matt Garza and reliever Juan Rincon for outfielder Delmon Young, infielder Brendan Harris and outfield prospect Jason Pridie.

If the Red Sox relent and include young outfield phenom Jacoby Ellsbury in trade talks for Johan Santana, Boston would probably lead the high-stakes sweepstakes for the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

The Twins weren't worried about Delmon Young's troubled past.

The New York Mets apparently aren't out of the Johan Santana Sweepstakes, as the Minnesota Twins continue to ponder what to do with their free-agent-to-be pitcher.

The Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays are close to a swap of two potential future stars.

The Twins have opened trade discussions for Johan Santana by asking the Yankees for a package of at least three young players that would include one of their three top starters -- Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy -- plus center fielder Melky Cabrera.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported in his blog that the Twins want this three-player package from the Yankees, in any Santana conversation: pitcher Phil Hughes and center fielders Melky Cabrera and Austin Jackson.

The Minnesota Twins recently offered superstar pitcher Johan Santana a four-year extension for about $80 million, SI.

One of the top free agents left on the market, Torii Hunter will take the weekend to mull the multiple contract offers he and his agent, Larry Reynolds, have fielded since the frenzy formally began last week.

Minnesota has talked with Boston about trading for center fielder Coco Crisp.

The word in baseball circles is that the Twins have made a five-year offer to two-time Cy Young Ward winner Johan Santana, calling for $93 million.

The Twins added a veteran bat Tuesday, acquiring outfielder Craig Monroe from the Cubs for a player to be named.

The Twins and Chicago Cubs have been discussing a trade that would send left fielder Craig Monroe to Minnesota for a player to be named, and an announcement could come as soon as today, the Star Tribune has learned.

The Yankees are keeping a close watch on Johan Santana.

Minnesota free agent Carlos Silva is looking for a Ted Lilly-sized four-year, $40 million deal and reportedly has been offered only $20 million over three years to stick around.

Add the Royals to any list of serious bidders for free-agent outfielder Torii Hunter.

Johan Santana is not yet officially on the trade market, but that seems to be an inevitability.

Some executives believe Johan Santana will be traded, and though most would not comment on another team’s player, the Philadelphia Phillies’ general manager, Pat Gillick, told USA Today that Santana “will be moved for sure.

While the Minnesota Twins have said they will try to sign pitcher Johan Santana to a contract extension before the start of the 2008 season, there's a strong possibility that the small-market team will be unable to come to terms with the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

ESPN has reported that the Twins and Cardinals are discussing a deal that would bring Scott Rolen to the Twins, but Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune just spoke with two Twins' officials who said they have had no discussions about Rolen whatsoever.

The Twins recently reopened negotiations with star pitcher Johan Santana, and in the likely event that the cost-conscious, small-market team fails to sign him soon, it is expected that baseball's best pitcher will hit the trade market.

The Twins are among the teams attempting to trade for Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp, but the Sox are responding to the demand by setting a high price.

The Minnesota Twins want to hold onto pitcher Johan Santana, who is eligible for free agency after next season.