Report: Yankees interested in Johan Santana

Johan Santana threw the first no-hitter in Mets history. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The Yankees have expressed interest in Johan Santana, now one of eight teams vying for the lefthander, according to ESPN New York. The Mets, Orioles and Pirates are also pursuing the free agent, who is in early talks with all teams.

Another of Santana's former teams, the Minnesota Twins, is also reportedly expressing interest, along with the Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals.

According to Santana's agent, Peter Greenberg, Santana wants to sign a contract now if a club separates itself from the pack. Otherwise, Santana is expected to throw in January to showcase himself.

Santana has not pitched in two of the last three seasons because of shoulder surgery. He threw the first no-hitter for the Mets in franchise history just before injuring his shoulder again.

ESPN New York also reported that Santana is "not fully keen on the Yankees because he likes his facial hair."