MLB Trade Rumors: David Price Drawing Interest From NY Yankees, LA Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Others
Tampa Bay Rays hurler David Price continues to generate interest on the trading front, as several teams are considering the signing of Chris Archer to a contract extension as a sign that a trade involving the former Cy Young winner might happen soon, according to Sports World Report.
Price has been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time, mainly because of his contract situation with the Rays. He's expected to become a free agent at the end of the 2014 season, and many analysts believe it would be impossible for the Rays to lock him down without a lucrative deal.
The Rays organization has been successful in developing young arms they've acquired from previous trades.
Archer came to the Rays after sending Matt Garza to the Chicago Cubs few seasons ago. Sources reported the 25-year-old Archer will pocket $25 million guaranteed money in his new deal and could receive as much as $43.75 million if milestones are reached over six seasons. He will join Wil Meyers and Alex Cobb to form a young but promising rotation for the Rays.
As for Price, the Rays are still hoping they can keep their best pitcher, though many insiders think the team's chances of retaining him are low, considering the Rays' current financial situation. At least five teams—Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees—are expected to make an offer for the hard-throwing hurler when he hits free agency.
The Mariners were the most aggressive team in pursuing Price last offseason in a trade, but the Rays' demands for MLB-ready prospects—Taijuan Walker and Nick Franklin—scared away Seattle. Moreover, Price said that he has no interest in signing an extension with the Mariners should he get traded to Seattle, killing any opportunity for a potential blockbuster deal.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Rangers and Yankees are very capable of pulling off a deal with the Rays because of a wealth of assets in the majors or in their farm system.
The 28-year-old Price boasts a record of 72-39 with 3.20 ERA and 888 strikeouts in his career. Price has made two starts this season and is 1-0, winning the opener against the Blue Jays 9-2.