MLB Trade Rumors: Seattle Mariners the best fit for David Price?
By Hayden Kane
The clock is ticking on the Tampa Bay Rays and their decision with ace starting pitcher David Price. As the big lefty enjoys some of the best results of his career and the Rays still weigh their chances at a playoff spot, the July 31st trade deadline fast approaches. If the Rays believe that they will get the best haul for Price mid-season, the deadline for that decision is fast approaching.
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So which team has the need for Price and the prospects to execute a deal? The Seattle Mariners might be a team emerging with just such a situation. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports suggests that the Mariners should get aggressive in their pursuit of Price:
"That’s right, a starting pitcher. The best available starting pitcher. If the Mariners can’t enhance their run production, they might as well upgrade their run prevention. The idea is to outscore your opponent, any way you can.…The Mariners can afford Price. They won’t get a discount on the acquisition cost, not with other teams certain to be bidding. But they have the players to pull off a deal with the Rays, if Zduriencik and ownership are willing to take a bold stand."
There is always risk involved with parting with prized prospects in this sort of deal; in the case of the Mariners that might involve a guy like stud starting pitcher Taijuan Walker. But the extra season of Price in 2015 is a motivating factor, and if Seattle could somehow find a way to sign him to an extension beyond that year, it would be hard to argue with the value of a starting rotation duo that involves Price and Felix Hernandez.
As this month unfolds and the Rays decide their course of action, the Mariners are a team to keep an eye on.