Angels trade rumors: Dan Haren, Ervin Santana, both with club options, could be moved

The Los Angeles Angels have some big decisions to make with regard to their starting rotation in 2013. Right handers Dan Haren and Ervin Santana both have club options for next year which need to be picked up by Wednesday or the club will have to buy them out of their current deals, according to Mike DiGiovanna of The Los Angeles Times.

Haren, who was 12-13 with a 4.33 ERA in 2012 while plagued by a stiff back that caused a significant dip in his velocity, has a $15.5-million option or a $3.5-million buyout. Santana, who went 9-13 with a 5.16 ERA last season and struggled mightily in June and July, has a $13-million option or a $1-million buyout.

Neither pitcher is expected to have his option exercised, and both will likely be pitching elsewhere next season, but General Manager Jerry Dipoto has floated the idea that he has explored trades of Santana and Haren in the hopes of getting something of value in exchange for them before they become free agents.

"There are still a lot of possibilities," Dipoto told DiGiovanna, "not the least of which is we'd exercise the options on one or both players, look to trade one or both or decline the options on both. And all are still in play."

The team is likely to focus their resources on making a strong push to re-sign right hander Zack Greinke, who is reportedly looking for a deal in the 5-year, $110-million range.