MLB rumors: David Price likely to hit free agency after 2015
By Hayden Kane
David Price is entering the final year of his contract for the Detroit Tigers, and indications are that he will end up hitting the MLB free agency market next winter.
The Tigers lost Max Scherzer to the Washington Nationals. They are watching Justin Verlander‘s skills as a staff ace dwindle before their very eyes.
More from Detroit Tigers
- MLB standings ordered by hard hit rate: Struggling Cardinals still cracking bats
- MLB rumors: Justin Verlander buzz, Astros target All-Star, Reds-White Sox deal
- Tigers young star takes vicious shot at Royals pitcher over sticky stuff allegations
- Immaculate Grid baseball: Answers, connections, hints for Grid 105 (July 16)
- Immaculate Grid baseball: Answers, connections, hints for Grid 102 (July 13)
Perhaps now more than ever, the Tigers have to be feeling the urgency to lock up David Price for the long haul. A team that has notoriously been “all in” season after season, their run might come to an abrupt halt after 2015 if they see Price walk.
When Detroit first acquired Price, it seemed like a luxury. Now they will be leaning on him heavily to carry a rotation that must absorb the loss of the aforementioned Scherzer.
According to Nick Cafardo, Price is more likely to hit the open market next off-season than agree to a long-term extension with the Tigers. The possibility was recently opened up that Price is feeling more comfortable in Detroit and would be open to an extension there. If nothing else, this report serves as a reminder that the Tigers will have to open their wallet to persuade Price to stay rather than test free agency.
The big market teams that missed out on or passed on major free agents this winter might be in a different position one year from now. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are always mentioned in this context, and the Chicago Cubs might also be a team to watch depending on their results in 2015. That is only the beginning of the list of teams that might be in pursuit of Price if given the chance.
David Price can help the Tigers win the World Series this season. Given their commitment beyond 2015, however, they would likely hope to keep him for future seasons as well. If these murmurs are to be believed, that will be easier said than done.
Price will be 29 years old when the 2015 starts. He has a 3.21 career ERA over the course of seven big league seasons. In 2014, Price went 15-12 in 34 starts with a 3.26 ERA, 2.78 FIP, and an exception 7.13 K/BB ratio.
The word “ace” is used in far too liberal a manner, but Price is the rare pitcher who is a true ace. Like Max Scherzer hitting free agency this winter, that would put Price in line for a payday in excess of $200 million if he indeed hits the market as expected next off-season.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle