Santana would listen to Royals about extension

Published Jul. 23, 2013 5:38 p.m. ET

foxsports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Royals right-hander Ervin Santana doesn't know what his future will bring, particularly in the next week leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.

But he does know one thing: He'd be happy staying right here in Kansas City for this season and beyond.

"I like it here," Santana told FOXSportsKansasCity.com. "I'm happy here."

Santana said he would be open to discussions with the Royals about a long-term deal. Santana, 30, is in the final year of a five-year, $42 million deal that is worth $13 million this season.

"Yes, I have an open mind about that," Santana said. "Yes, I'd stay here. Like I said, I like it here. Good teammates, good clubhouse, everything is good here.

"I like the organization. It's good and the team is only going to get better."

Santana, though, said he has not heard from the Royals regarding an extension.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore said Tuesday discussions about a Santana extension are possible, but he did not want to discuss anything publicly now.

"Every situation is a little different," Moore said. "Right now we're focused on today and trying to win games and get closer to Detroit and Cleveland. I don't want to put ourselves in a position where we're going to create distractions.

"Right now Ervin Santana is a big part of our rotation and he's doing his part to get us closer to Cleveland and Detroit, just like he did his first game after the All-Star break."

Interestingly, Santana said he does not have any type of a no-trade clause in his contract.

"No, I don't and I never had one," Santana said. "Hey, that's just who I am."

Santana knows, though, that his name has popped up routinely in trade rumors. He is 6-6 with a 3.18 ERA and likely will be a coveted pitcher over the next week.

"I have no idea what will happen," he said. "I don't know. I'm here right now and I want to enjoy my time here, and if anything is going to happen, it will happen."

You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter at @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.