Dating back to last season there hasn’t been a team more interested in Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price than the Los Angeles Dodgers. Before the Rays ever put David Price on the so-called ‘trade block’, the Dodgers were calling about his availability.
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The two sides were said to have exchanged lengthy conversations during the offseason but deeming Tampa’s asking price for David Price too high, the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to move on.
They apparently can’t quit their pursuit of the former Cy Young award winner though as the Dodgers remain interested in Price and there have been rumors suggesting the two sides have spoken about a trade yet again. The only problem for the Dodgers is that the Rays asking price isn’t going down and they’ve demanded five-tool prospect Joc Pederson in any potential deal.
That’s not something the Los Angeles Dodgers are said to be interested in doing, though according to a rival GM via ESPN, they are willing to ‘ante up’ their trade offer.
"But the Dodgers have told teams all summer they’re not including both Joc Pederson and Corey Seager in any deal. And if they don’t, there’s an excellent chance the Rays walk away. So do the Dodgers relent? “If they’re going to ante up for anybody,” said one NL exec, “they’re going to do it for Price.”"
While losing Pederson (or even Seager) would be a devastating blow to the Dodgers minor league system and future, a rotation which includes Clayton Kerhsaw, David Price and Zack Grienke should make the Dodgers easy favorites going into October.