David Price might be the biggest name on the free agent market heading into the July 31 deadline. The Detroit Tigers have made it clear that if a team wants him they can trade for him, but so far interest in quiet on the former Cy Young winner. The issue for Price is not his numbers, but his contract as the pitcher is playing on an expiring deal. That has turned many teams from making a move for him, but will the New York Yankees eventually cave?
General manager Brian Cashman told the media that he does not want to make a trade to simply make a trade. According to the New York Post, Cashman is hesitant to give up prospects or depth for a player that might only be a rental for the remainder of the season. Price certainly fits that description given his contract status, but would he seek to re-sign with the Yankees if traded?
"Do we have flaws? We have flaws," Cashman said, via the Post. "But I think we have a lot of internal options. I think we have depth in our pitching. Could you improve on the starting staff with what's on the marketplace? The answer is yes but at what cost? Could you improve on the bullpen? The answer is yes but at what cost?"
According to YankeesGoYard.com, the best move New York could make is acquiring Price. Cashman noted that the Yankees' could use a pitching upgrade for the short-term and potentially the long-term. There are serious doubts surrounding CC Sabathia who has been hot and cold all season. With two years remaining on his contract, the idea of getting in someone that could take over for the pitcher is key. Trading for Price and then re-signing him would be a strong move to make in an effort to build past Sabathia.
The Yankees could be thinking the same thing with Cole Hamels who is locked down for at least three more seasons. If Cashman does not want a rental player then Hamels is the guy to target. The Yankees do not hesitate to spend money and that will not change. With lingering health concerns about Ivan Nova and his longevity in the league, getting a player like Price or Hamels will set the Yankees up for a strong option outside of Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda.
