The MLB hot stove is heating up already as free agency is set to begin and that also means trade talk will go down and one of the top players that will be discussed this offseason is Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price and some options for him includes the Philadelphia Phillies for Domonic Brown as well as teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals and LA Dodgers.
Price knows that there is a good chance he will be traded, as the Rays and the pitcher will be going to arbitration since he is eligible and that means a higher salary and for the cash strapped Rays, that could mean a deal. According to ESPN.com, Price has said to reporters that he knows a trade is possible this offseason, as he has seen a number of players leave in deals or as free agents after not being able to secure enough money, including Carl Crawford and James Shields and Price is likely not to be the last of the bunch.
Price is signed through after next season and he could make over $10 million this season, giving way to the idea of a trade. According to Fox Sports, one team that could be interested is the Philadelphia Phillies, as they had a down season in 2013 and may want to make a big splash this offseason. The report says that the Phillies could part ways with top young star Domonic Brown in the deal, which could get the Rays to do it. Brown was very good last season hitting over .270 with 27 home runs and over 80 RBIs and while the team does not want to part with him, they feel that adding another power arm to the rotation is essential for success in 2014, as they already have Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee there.
The report says that the team could go after free agents Curtis Granderson, Jacoby Ellsbury or Shin-Soo Choo depending on how things shake out, as the Phillies have money to spend and traditionally have done that. Price will get attention from a number of teams and SI.com put together a list of possible targets, including the Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates, especially if they let AJ Burnett go.
Price is a Cy Young winner and a multiple all-star and with him being just 28-years-old, he has plenty of years ahead of him in baseball. This past season he went 10-8 with a 3.33 ERA and over 150 strikeouts and during the back stretch of the season, according to SI.com, he had a 2.53 ERA and a great strikeout ratio and that is one reason why he could be dealt. The team previously traded away Scott Kazmir as well as Matt Garza and now Price could be next in line and he could be the best of that group of he left.
The Texas Rangers have the players to make a deal and since they are losing Garza possibly in free agency, they could step up to the plate. The Diamondbacks are another option and they are talking to the Cubs about Jeff Samardzija and the Pirates could also be a factor if Burnett walks in free agency and with the Nationals having a down year, they could get another power arm to add to their solid rotation. Either way, Price will be looked at as a main target.