MLB Trade Deadline: Top 5 candidates with predictions

2. David Price, SP

The powerful southpaw ace just continues to get better and better, posting improved WHIP figures in five straight seasons and, this year, proving he can stay healthy and consistent by leading the American League in strikeouts and innings-pitched. At 28, Price is about to enter his prime, a truly scary thought considering what he’s already achieved in the game to date.

That prime is likely to be so sensational as to blow through the price range of Tampa Bay, with its capricious attendance and small-market sensibilities. Sooner or later, Rays GM Andrew Friedman will have to deal Price if he wants to get a haul in return, with his star set for departure by free agency in 2015 at the latest. For many years, Tampa has managed to rile against the tide of speculation and keep ahold of Price who, with 183 strikeouts in 163.2 innings of work, is an unbelievable trade chip. However, the pitcher’s stock has never been higher and, with fourteen months until his free agency, has likely peaked, forcing the 52-54 Rays to listen intently.

Any team in baseball would make a concerted effort to trade for such a breathtakingly-dominant, eminently-available ace pitcher, but few have the resources. St Louis may have the inventory to work out a deal, in addition to Seattle, whilst Baltimore and Boston would make unlikely inter-division trade partners for Tampa.

PREDICTION: Rays keep Price hoping to make postseason, trade him in winter blockbuster.

Tampa’s recent nine-game winning streak has thrown the entire trade market into confusion, as Rays’ executives grapple with becoming sellers at the time of optimal value or riding out the deadline and hoping to swing back into contention in a depleted AL East.

This uncertainty, coupled with the sheer magnitude of any deal involving Price, makes an offseason trade far more likely. Then, Tampa Bay would be able to engage in clear-headed negotiations and dedicate enough due diligence to ensure it receives a huge return.

At present, Price is the by far the best player available, but moving such an enormous asset takes time which the indecisive, deadline-pressed Rays simply do not have.