The Minnesota Twins are rarely big players in free agency, but they may be preparing to make a splash.

La Velle E. Neal III is reporting that the Twins are showing interest in free agent starter Ervin Santana:

Yes, the Twins are in on Ervin Santana.

The Twins have been in contact this week with Santana’s agent and apparently are prepared to give up a second round pick as compensation if they can work out a deal.

Santana is expected to attract plenty of interest. He was 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA last season with the Braves and has a track record of being durable. He would definitely upgrade the Twins’ rotation.

Santana, 31, is said to be seeking a five-year deal. The expectation is that he’s looking to earn close to $14 million per season.

Tim Dierkes at MLBTradeRumors projected a four-year, $56 million deal for Santana earlier this offseason, so Santana’s numbers seem right in line with his perceived value.

The Twins were linked to Santana last offseason and reportedly made a three-year offer that he turned down in favor of a one-year, $14.1 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.

Santana has an uninspiring career record of 119-100 with a 4.17 ERA, 1.283 WHIP, and a 2.56 K/BB ratio.

He has, however, been much better since leaving Los Angeles after the 2012 season posting a 23-20 record, with a 3.58 ERA, 1.221 WHIP, and 340/114 K/BB in 407 innings between the Royals and Braves.

More on this as it develops.