Astros lefty edges Jays’ David Price for AL Cy Young,
David Price, the Blue Jays’ rented ace and the top dog in this year’s free-agent class, is expected to command a sevenyear deal in excess of $210 million — despite failing to wrap up the AL Cy Young. The highly sought after southpaw will have many suitors this offseason, but here’s a look at five frontrunners.
CHICAGO CUBS
The case for: They have the financial means. They are a bona fide contender desperate to end a 107-year World Series drought. They have a deep lineup of young hitters, but could use another top-notch starter. Their charismatic manager, Joe Maddon, guided Price through his first six big-league seasons and there is a mutual admiration. It makes too much sense, which is why the Cubs are the perceived front-runners.
The case against: This is much harder to make. The likeliest reason the Cubs won’t land Price will be if they are outbid, either by the deep-pocketed Dodgers or Red Sox. Or perhaps Price loved his short time in Toronto so much he’ll want to stick around for the long haul; or maybe he’ll be drawn to the climate and lifestyle in San Francisco. But right now Chicago is the likeliest landing spot.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
The case for: If they don’t re-sign Zack Greinke, the Dodgers will be desperate to add another front-ofthe rotation pitcher to join Clayton Kershaw and, besides Greinke, Price is the only other one who fits the bill. They boast by far the biggest payroll in the majors — twice that of twothirds of the league’s teams — and have the means to outbid anyone.
The case against: They would prefer to bring Greinke back, and if they do even their seemingly limitless financial resources may be sapped. They also have yet to hire a new manager and Price may be reluctant to sign without first knowing the identity of his new boss. The Dodgers’ clubhouse has garnered a reputation in recent years for being tense and unfriendly, which is something Price may want to avoid.
BOSTON RED SOX
The case for: Boston’s new president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, traded for Price in 2014 — and dealt him away earlier this year — when he was president and general manager of the Detroit Tigers. So there is some history. Like the Dodgers and Cubs, the Red Sox also have the financial means and, though they struggled in 2015, are never far from contention, offering the spotlight and fan interest Price craves.
The case against: Maybe enough money will mend any wounds, but Price and his former Tampa Bay Rays had a long-running feud with the Red Sox, going back to 2008 when they upset the then-defending champs in the ALCS. The rivalry was rekindled in 2014 when, after another tense series, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz said he’d lost respect for Price, while Price claimed Ortiz acted as if he was
bigger than the game.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
The case for: Considering they have won the World Series in all the even years this decade, the Giants are due for another long run in 2016. They’ll need to upgrade their rotation if they hope to do it and are reportedly trying to land either Price or Greinke. They offer an attractive city and a world-class catcher in Buster Posey and should have the means to make a deal as well.
The case against: The Giants just signed shortstop Brandon Crawford to a six-year, $75-million deal, while they have more than $100 million locked up in just seven players for the 2016 season. Ace lefty Madison Bumgarner has affordable club options that will take him through the 2018 season, but they may wish to sign the 26-year-old to a long-term extension instead, which would limit their financial flexibility.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
The case for: They were able to make a three-month pitch for Price’s services when they traded for him at July’s deadline. By all accounts he loved Toronto, his teammates and the franchise as a whole, describing his Rogers Centre debut in early August as the best atmosphere in which he had ever pitched. That familiarity, albeit short-lived, certainly has some value.
The case against: Money talks and it’s unclear whether Rogers will afford the Jays enough payroll flexibility to outbid the likes of the Cubs or Dodgers. There is also the matter of Price’s usage in the playoffs, when he was pressed into bullpen duty for the first time since his rookie season to bolster an unreliable relief corps. Might that have affected his relationship with the club? Hard to tell, but it likely didn’t help.