MLB rumors: Mariners offering Taijuan Walker to Rays in trade for David Price, Ben Zobrist
By Dan Zinski
A front-runner may have emerged in the race to land starting pitcher David Price. The Seattle Mariners reportedly are in hot pursuit of the Rays’ ace, and are willing to part with “almost anything” to get the deal done.
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“Almost anything” includes starter Taijuan Walker. And the Mariners don’t just want David Price back in this deal, they also want infielder Ben Zobrist.
Price is the jewel of the trade market right now, and if the Mariners could land him they’d have arguably the best one-two punch in the majors with him and Felix Hernandez. Actually, it’s probably not arguable. That would be a dominating top of the rotation.
Zobrist is a versatile player who would help add some punch to a lineup that hasn’t exactly been overwhelming.
Clearly, the Mariners have to do something if they want to hang in the AL West race with the Angels and A’s, both of whom are having great seasons.
The Rays meanwhile must be slightly hesitant to part with Price given the way they’ve been playing lately. Tampa Bay is close to getting back in the wild card race after their dismal start and might be thinking about toughing it out.
If they can get Taijuan Walker, they might trade Price regardless of where they are in the race. Walker might be too tantalizing a player to turn down.
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